Connecticut Dog Bite Law Explained: Strict Liability, CGS §22-357, and How CT Compares to Other States

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and the law surrounding dog bite claims is nuanced. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Speak with a licensed Connecticut attorney to evaluate the specific facts of your case.

Connecticut applies a strict liability standard to dog bite injuries under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357. In practical terms, that generally means a dog owner or keeper can be held financially responsible for a bite, even if the dog had never shown aggression before and even if the owner did everything a reasonable person would do to prevent it. That single distinction separates Connecticut from a meaningful number of other states and often determines how quickly a claim can move forward. Goff Law Group's personal injury attorneys in Connecticut handle dog bite claims across the state and regularly walk clients through exactly what this law does, and does not, cover.

What Does Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357 Say?

CGS § 22-357 makes a dog's owner or keeper liable for damage the dog causes to a person's body or property, with limited exceptions. Connecticut courts have described the statute's purpose as removing the older common-law requirement that a victim prove the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies. Under the current law, an injured person generally needs to show only that the dog caused the injury and that the exceptions discussed below don't apply, according to the Connecticut General Assembly's Office of Legislative Research.

What Is Strict Liability in a Dog Bite Case?

Strict liability means a party can be held responsible for harm without the injured person having to prove negligence or fault. In a dog bite case, that generally means a victim does not need to establish any of the following, which are commonly required in ordinary negligence claims:

• That the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous
• That the owner failed to take reasonable precautions
• That the dog had bitten or threatened anyone before

Instead, a victim generally needs to show that the dog caused an injury and that they were not trespassing or provoking the animal at the time.

Defenses to Strict Liability Under Connecticut Law

Strict liability under CGS § 22-357 is broad, but it isn't absolute. Connecticut law recognizes a few defenses that owners may raise:

• Trespassing or committing another tort: If the victim was trespassing on the property or committing some other unlawful act at the time of the bite, the owner may not be liable under the statute.
• Teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog: An owner generally isn't liable if the victim provoked the dog immediately before the attack. Connecticut courts have noted, however, that ordinary, friendly interaction with a dog does not count as provocation.
• The age-seven presumption: Connecticut law presumes that a child under seven years old was not trespassing and did not provoke the dog, unless the owner can prove otherwise.

How Does Connecticut Compare to Other States' Dog Bite Laws?

Dog bite liability rules vary significantly across the country, and generally fall into two broad categories:

• Strict liability states, including Connecticut, hold an owner responsible for a bite regardless of the dog's prior history. California follows a similar approach under California Civil Code § 3342, which imposes liability whenever a dog bites someone in a public place or while they are lawfully on private property.
• "One-bite rule" states generally require the injured person to show the owner knew, or should have known, the dog had dangerous tendencies before the bite occurred, according to Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute. Some states apply a hybrid approach, using strict liability for certain damages (like medical bills) while requiring proof of prior knowledge for others.

Because these frameworks differ so much by state, the same set of facts can lead to very different outcomes depending on where a bite occurs. A victim bitten in Connecticut generally has a more direct path to establishing liability than a victim in a one-bite-rule state would.

How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Connecticut?

Dog bite claims in Connecticut are generally treated as a form of tort action, and courts have applied a three-year statute of limitations under CGS § 52-577 to claims brought under the dog bite statute. Waiting to pursue a claim can make it harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and document injuries, so it's generally best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a bite occurs.

Conclusion

Connecticut's strict liability dog bite law can work in a victim's favor, but the exceptions built into CGS § 22-357 still require careful handling. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, the attorneys at Goff Law Group can review your case for free. Call (203) 399-0000 or contact us online to talk through your options with our personal injury team.