Rachel Perdo v. Michael Daddio et al. (2011)

MEMORANDUM OF DECISION

This complaint, alleging a violation of General Statutes Section 22–357, the dog bite statute, and negligence, seeks money damages for personal injuries and losses sustained by the plaintiff on December 31, 2010 when she was allegedly bitten by a dog owned and kept by the defendants at 115 George Street in New Haven, Connecticut.   The court heard the matter as a hearing in damages on September 28, 2011.   The defendants George Daddio and Brian Daddio have been defaulted for failure to appear.   They are not in the military service.

At the time she was bitten by the defendants' dog the plaintiff was not teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog.   The plaintiff is 23 years old and has a life expectancy of approximately 60 years.

As a result of being bitten by the defendants' dog the plaintiff sustained soft tissue abrasions, contusions and lacerations of the calf of her right leg.   She has sustained permanent unsightly scarring on her right calf.   She has incurred medical bills totaling $916.72.   As a result of being bitten by the defendants' dog she has suffered emotional distress, mental anguish and anxiety, and has a fear of large dogs.

The court finds that the plaintiff's economic damages are $916.72 and that fair and reasonable non-economic damages are $10,000.00.   There are no collateral source payments.

Judgment may enter on both counts in favor of the plaintiff as against the defendants in the amount of $10,916.72 plus taxable costs.

William L. Hadden, Jr.

Judge Trial Referee

Hadden, William L., J.T.R.