Wisconsin Dog Bite Lawyer
Although dogs have a reputation for being loyal and loving, aggressive ones can cause serious injuries, especially to children. In Wisconsin, dog bite incidents can result in serious physical and emotional harm to victims, often leading to medical treatment and potential legal actions against the dog’s owner.
Dogs may bite due to fear, territorial protection, or anxiety, highlighting the importance of proper training and responsible pet ownership. If you suffered injuries in a dog bite incident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses as per Wisconsin law.
Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with our Wisconsin dog bite attorney. All confidential or sensitive information shared will remain private under an attorney-client relationship.
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Contact our Wisconsin dog bite lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Wisconsin dog bite lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Some Facts About Wisconsin Dog Bite Cases
In the United States, there are over 89 million dogs, and approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually. Half of these incidents involve children as the victims.
Between 2010 and October 2023, there were 478 fatal dog attacks, with pit bulls causing 196 of them, while 49 involved pit bull mixes.
When it comes to severe dog bites in children, 80% of injuries involve the head and neck area.
Approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involve male dogs, and 94% of those male dogs were unneutered. Chained dogs contribute to 25% of fatal attacks.
Children between ages one and four are the most frequent victims, accounting for 29.4% of fatalities from dog attacks in 2022. Those under 17 represented 56.7% of all dog attack fatalities that year.
Over three years, the City of Milwaukee Department of Health received reports of 3,926 animal bites, with dogs responsible for 83% of them.
Among the dog bites, 60% affected the upper extremities, and 44% of injuries in children under 15 were to the head and face.
Wisconsin Dog Bite Laws
Under Wis. Stat. § 174.02 dog owners are held strictly liable for the injuries that are caused by the animal attack. The dog’s owner may face twice the amount of damages if the:
- The dog attack was unprovoked
- the dog owner was aware of a previous bite causing scarring or disfigurement
- The recent attack resulted in similar scarring or disfigurement
Note that if the injured party was trespassing on the dog owner’s property at the time of the dog bite injury, the owner may not be held liable.
Beyond personal damages, dog owners could face additional penalties such as fines of up to $500 for a first offense or up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. The court may also order the dog to be euthanized if prove to be a serious public safety threat.
What are the Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in the United States?
According to Statista dog bite statistics, the most dangerous dog breeds that were responsible for a fatality between the period 2005-2017 include the following:
- Pit Bulls: 284 deaths
- Rottweiler: 45 deaths
- German Shepherd: 20 deaths
- Mixed breeds: 17 deaths
- American Bulldog: 15 deaths
- Mastiff: 14 deaths
- Siberian Husky: 13 deaths
- Labrador Retriever: 9 deaths
- Boxer: 7 deaths
- Doberman Pinscher: 6 deaths
Pit Bulls and Rottweilers have caused the most numbers of deaths, and when combined, these vicious dogs make up 76% of fatal dog attacks nationwide. However, the other breeds on the list have even greater bite strength than these two breeds.
If you have gotten injured by any of these dangerous breeds, talk to experienced dog bite attorneys and explore what legal actions you should take to seek fair compensation.
What are the Types of Injuries Caused By Dog Bites?
When a dog bites a human, it can lead to a range of injuries with varying severity, including some that may cause long-term or permanent damage. A dog bite happens every 75 seconds in the U.S., and each year, around 9,500 people require hospitalization due to dog bites.
Immediate medical attention and ongoing care may be necessary to address both physical and emotional trauma resulting from a dog bite.
Here are some common dog bite injuries found in Wisconsin:
- Lacerations: Depending on the dog’s size and strength, bites can cause anything from minor puncture wounds to deep lacerations that damage muscles, nerves, or blood vessels.
- Infection: Dogs’ mouths contain a multitude of bacteria, posing a significant risk of infection. Prompt cleaning and medical treatment can help prevent complications.
- Broken bones: With a bite force of up to 450 pounds per square inch, a dog can easily fracture bones, particularly in children.
- Scarring: Dog bites can leave scars, which may require reconstructive surgery, especially for facial injuries.
- Emotional trauma: Victims, especially children, may experience anxiety, behavioral issues, or difficulty sleeping after a dog bite incident.
- Nerve damage: Severe bites may cause nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation or function in the affected area.
- Torn ligaments: Dog bites can also result in torn ligaments, which can be painful and limit mobility.
- Rabies: Though rare, there is a risk of contracting rabies from a dog bite if the dog is not vaccinated.
Dog bite victims in Wisconsin may face significant medical bills to recover from the above injuries. Consulting an experienced dog bite lawyer can help ensure you receive the support and financial recovery you deserve.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations establishes a time limit within which you must file a lawsuit after a dog bite incident. Typically, you have three years from the date of the dog bite injury to bring a claim. However, there may be exceptions that can affect this timeframe.
Failing to file your claim within the allowed time can prevent you from seeking compensation for your injuries. Therefore, it is essential to seek legal assistance promptly.
Contact our experienced Wisconsin dog bite lawyers immediately. We can evaluate your injury claim, determine the time available to file your case and ensure all necessary documents are prepared and submitted on time.
Wisconsin Strict Liability Laws for Dog Bite Cases
Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 174.02 (01) (a), it is mentioned that “the owner of a dog is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring or causing serious injury to a person, domestic animal or property.”
Under Wisconsin law, there is a strict liability statute regarding dog bites, holding the animal owner accountable for any injuries their pets cause. Previously, some states allowed animal owners to avoid liability if their dogs had not previously shown aggressive behavior.
However, Wisconsin’s strict liability approach allows victims of dog bites to pursue compensation regardless of whether the attack was the dog’s first bite.
If you have been injured in a dog bite or attack, reach out to our law firm to schedule a free case evaluation with our experienced Wisconsin dog bite lawyer.
What Compensatory Damages are Available in Wisconsin Dog Bite Claims?
In Wisconsin dog bite claims, victims may be eligible for compensatory damages for various losses. Animal bite victims often need immediate medical care and may face lasting injuries that result in lifelong impairment. These dog bite injuries can result in financial burdens, psychological trauma, loss of income, and societal shame.
Our Milwaukee dog bite lawyers are dedicated to helping victims and their families achieve justice. The worth of your claim varies based on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, any negligence on your part, and the liable party’s insurance or ability to pay.
In Wisconsin, 418 dog bite claims were filed in 2018, costing insurers an average of $42,590 per injury claim and totaling $17.8 million in payouts.
Our personal injury attorney can recover the following damages for dog bite victims:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental distress
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of guidance and companionship
If the dog had been habitually aggressive in behavior, you might be entitled to twice your damages.
It’s important to consult with a dog bite attorney to ensure you receive full compensation, including punitive damages if the dog owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. An experienced dog bite attorney can guide you through the legal action and advocate on your behalf.
How to Prevent Fatal Dog Bites?
Preventing dog bites is crucial to avoid the serious consequences they can cause, such as personal injury and medical bills. Our experienced dog bite lawyers, using their industry knowledge, have helped nunneries dog bite victims seek maximum compensation for their personal injuries and property damage.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) advises following these precautions to reduce the risks of dog bites and ensure safe interactions with animals:
Tip 1 – Seek permission from the owner before approaching a dog. Oftentimes, dogs may become aggressive in behavior if they feel any danger.
Tip 2 – Allow the dog to sniff the back of your hand and wait for a positive response before petting the dog.
Tip 3 – Avoid running toward a dog as it can seem like a threat and may provoke aggression.
Tip 4 – Supervise children around unfamiliar dogs. Don’t rely solely on the owner’s assurance that the dog is safe.
Tip 5 – Stay calm and still if a strange dog approaches. Running away may escalate the situation.
Tip 6 – Understand that fear can trigger dog bites. Being calm and non-threatening can help prevent dog bites and significant injuries.
Consulting a Wisconsin dog bite lawyer can enable you to navigate the dog bite injury claim and negotiate a fair settlement for your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Wisconsin Dog Bite Lawyers
A dog bite can be a traumatic experience, causing pain and potential long-term consequences. If you have been injured by a dog bite, seek the legal representation services of our dog bite lawyers and ensure your rights are protected.
An experienced attorney at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, is well-versed in Wisconsin dog bite liability laws and is dedicated to supporting you through the claims process with empathy and skill.
Contact our law firm at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation today. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees until your dog bite lawyer resolves your case through negotiation or litigation.