State law presumes that a dog’s owner is liable for any damage resulting from a bite or attack. However, this does not mean that dog owners cannot attempt to avoid liability following an injury. For example, dog owners may argue that you provoked their pet or were trespassing at the time of the incident. Unfortunately, these claims could result in you struggling to collect the compensation you need to move forward.
A Racine dog bite lawyer may be able to help you to collect compensation for medical bills, reimbursement for lost wages, and payments for any emotional trauma connected to the incident. Call our experienced personal injury representatives at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today to learn more.
The Law Concerning Dog Bites in Racine
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 174.02, a dog’s owner is liable for any canine bite or attack. This statute also allows the victims of these attacks to seek double damages if the attack was serious enough to break their skin and cause permanent scarring or disfigurement. However, victims must prove that the owner had prior notice of the animal attacking a person in the past.
The law also gives dog owners powerful means to rebut this presumption of fault. For example, a dog owner may argue that the victim did not have permission to be on the property and that the animal was defending the land. Pursuant to WI Stat. § 895.57(4), an owner is not liable if the dog is protecting property against a trespasser.
A hardworking attorney in Racine could help prove that a dog bite victim had legal permission to be where the canine bite occurred.
The Potential Impact of Dog Bites and Other Attacks
Regardless of the size, a dog bite can result in serious injuries. Dogs’ mouths are dirty places with bacteria, meaning that aggressive medical attention may be necessary to prevent infection. Of course, bites can also result in deep cuts, muscle tears, and torn ligaments. These injuries can necessitate extensive medical care and rehabilitation in the present and future. Furthermore, many bites can result in ugly scars. While the medical costs associated with a dog bite can be significant, they are not the only source of compensation. For instance, injured people can also seek payments for:
- Emotional traumas, such as nightmares
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, such as not being able to enjoy time with dogs
- Lost wages due to missing time at work to make a recovery
A dedicated lawyer in Racine could help injured people measure how their experiences have changed their lives and demand appropriate compensation from liable dog owners.
Let a Seasoned Dog Bite Attorney in Racine Fight for Justice
The laws in Racine make it clear that every dog owner is responsible for the actions of their animals. This includes providing fair compensation to people who suffer harm after a bite or other attack. Still, owners may attempt to shift blame onto you or argue that the bite occurred on private property as a defense mechanism.
A Racine dog bite lawyer could help prove that an owner was liable for your injuries. Our legal representative could also take the lead in measuring your losses and demand proper payments on your behalf. Reach out to us today to learn more and get started on your claim for damages.