A dog bite can cause lasting physical and emotional damage. Estimates suggest that more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year, and approximately one thousand seek emergency medical treatment for their injuries.
In many cases, dog owners could be held responsible for the harm their pets cause. If you were bitten by a dog, call the experienced personal injury attorneys at our firm to discuss your potential claim for damages. A Kenosha dog bite lawyer at Wittmeyer Injury & Accident Attorneys could work tirelessly to pursue compensation on your behalf.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog does not have to be overly vicious for its bite to cause damage. Even a small wound could put the injured victim at risk of the following:
- Rabies
- Infections
- Tetanus
- Sepsis
Any of these conditions could cause significant harm to the injured party if left untreated.
Kenosha Dog Owners are Strictly Liable
Under Wisconsin Statutes §174.02, if a dog harms a person, property, or another animal, then its owner is responsible for the damages. An injured party does not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent or knew that their pet might bite. However, if the dog bites a second time, the owner may be liable for twice the amount of damages.
Generally, there are exceptions to this strict liability rule. If a dog bit someone while protecting its owner or their property, the owner might not be responsible for damages. Likewise, if a law enforcement dog on duty harms a suspect, neither the dog’s owner nor the police department can be held liable for injuries. A local attorney experienced in dog bite lawsuits could further explain how strict liability law might apply to a specific case.
Suite 101 Kenosha , WI 53140
What to do After a Canine Attack?
A person injured by a dog can take steps to protect themselves and preserve their legal rights in a dog bite case. Some of these include:
- Seek medical attention and maintain records of all treatment received
- Report the bite to local authorities
- If the dog or the owner cannot be located, consult with a physician about obtaining a rabies vaccination
- Photograph all injuries and preserve any video of the attack
Additionally, a hardworking lawyer could investigate a case, obtain statements from any witnesses to the incident, and present the claim to the dog’s owner, insurance company, or Kenosha court.
Damages in a Dog Bite Case
In a dog bite claim, an injured victim and their legal counsel could pursue reimbursement for various damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Emotional stress caused by the attack
- Lost wages
- Property damage
If a canine attack is severe enough to be fatal, the deceased’s family members could file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek damages for the loss of their loved one. Our legal team could assess a Kenosha resident’s damages and negotiate a fair settlement with the dog’s owner or their insurance company.
What is the Wisconsin Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims?
Under Wisconsin Statute §893.54, a victim has up to three years after a dog attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a dog bite kills someone, a wrongful death action must also be filed within three years. Filing an action after the deadline may result in a dismissal of the claims and denial of compensation to the injured party. As such, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer at our firm to help file lawsuits within the statutory time frame.
Consult a Kenosha Dog Bite Attorney
Dog attacks can cause severe harm. Injured victims may require need immediate medical care, including sutures, rabies or tetanus vaccinations, and medications for infections and pain.
Luckily, Wisconsin law protects victims by holding dog owners strictly liable for any harm caused by their pets. At Wittmeyer Injury & Accident Attorneys, our attorneys could assess your damages and recommend a settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries. If your case proceeds to court, a Kenosha dog bite lawyer could present your case to a judge and advocate for the maximum amount of compensation allowed by law. Call us today to discuss your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clean the wound with soap and water immediately to lower infection risks. Seek urgent medical care at a local clinic or emergency room like Froedtert Kenosha Hospital or Aurora Medical Center Kenosha. Report the incident to Kenosha Police or Kenosha County Animal Control to initiate a formal report. Take pictures of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location of the attack. Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with animal owner insurance representatives.
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Wisconsin operates under a strict liability statute for dog bite injuries. The dog owner remains liable for damages caused by their pet even if the animal never acted aggressively before. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous to recover compensation.
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Wisconsin state law imposes double damages if the dog owner knew their pet previously bit someone or caused injury. If the owner had prior notice of the dog’s aggressive behavior, they can be held liable for twice the full amount of your economic and non-economic losses.
Suite 101 Kenosha , WI 53140
Compensation usually comes from the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. Claims target the insurance coverage rather than taking personal savings directly from a neighbor or friend. If the owner lacks insurance, your legal advocate explores alternative compensation routes.
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Delivery drivers, postal workers, contractors, and service workers have full legal rights to seek recovery. You can collect statutory workers’ compensation benefits from your employer for medical bills and lost wages. You can also file a third-party claim against the dog owner for full damages, including pain and suffering.
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You can recover financial compensation for emergency room treatment, surgeries, rabies shots, scar revision, and ongoing therapy. Your claim can include past and future lost wages from missed work. Victims can also collect compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, disfigurement, and permanent scarring.
Suite 101 Kenosha , WI 53140
Children are vulnerable to severe facial lacerations, permanent scars, and long-term psychological trauma after dog attacks. A parent or legal guardian can file a claim on behalf of the minor child. Settlement funds for minors in Wisconsin often require court approval to safeguard the financial recovery until adulthood.
Suite 101 Kenosha , WI 53140
Wisconsin enforces a strict three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits starting from the date of the attack. For injured minors, the deadline extends until three years after their 18th birthday. Filing your claim promptly ensures critical evidence and animal quarantine records remain available.
Suite 101 Kenosha , WI 53140
Insurance adjusters frequently argue provocation to avoid paying full claims. Wisconsin uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation as long as your share of fault stays under 51 percent. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of assigned fault.
Suite 101 Kenosha , WI 53140
Our team brings over 40 years of legal experience protecting injured community members throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Located at 520 58th Street in downtown Kenosha, we understand local court procedures and animal control protocols. We handle all insurance communication, prove liability, and aggressively pursue full compensation for your injuries.
Suite 101 Kenosha , WI 53140