In Connecticut, if you are bitten by a dog, you are not required to show that the owner of the dog was negligent in allowing the dog to bite you.  The owner of person in charge of taking care of a dog is strictly liable for the actions of its dog if the dog causes an injury to the body of property of another individual, unless that injured person was tormenting or teasing the dog, or trespassing on the property where the dog bite occurred.  And if the injured person is a minor under the age of seven years of age, there is a presumption that the child was not teasing or tormenting the dog. And even if the dog does not actually bite you but causes you harm when you are trying to get away from the dog, you can recover compensation from the owner or keeper of the dog. I have represented children bitten by dogs, mailpersons delivering mail, as well as cyclists knocked off their bikes by dogs.  You need to report the incident to the local police, the animal control (which will determine if the dog is up to date on its rabies shots), document your injuries with clear photos, and call me as soon as possible.