Most of us have heard of dogs biting and injuring people, but what happens if this occurs in Wisconsin? Learn all about Wisconsin dog bite laws in this article, and if you think you have a case, our dog bite lawyers in Oak Creek at Martin Law Office, S.C., may be able to help you obtain compensation.
Wisconsin dog bite laws make the owner strictly liable for damages caused by a dog bite or attack. You do not have to prove that the owner was negligent to obtain damages for your injuries.
The statutes state that a dog owner ‘is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring or causing injury to a person, domestic animal, or property.’ Also, the dog owner may be liable for twice the full amount of damages caused by the animal biting a person with enough force to break their skin, if the owner knew the dog had previously bitten a person.
If the dog owner is found to violate this statute, they can pay a fine of at least $50 and up to $2,500 if the dog injures another person or animal. However, if the owner knew that the dog had previously injured a person or animal, they can be fined a minimum of $200 and up to $5,000.
The dog bite statutes in Wisconsin refer to when the dog injures or causes injury to a person, animal or property. Some dog attacks involve more than mere bites, making the case more complex.
What happens if a dog jumps on you in greeting? You could make a strong case for damages. If another dog runs into you in the park and injures your back, is the dog owner liable? These cases are complex and should be reviewed by your attorney to determine if the other party may be liable.
You have only three years from the date of the dog bite injury to file a claim in Wisconsin. However, you should talk to an attorney quickly because building a strong case takes time.
A dog bite claim might seem unlikely to take three years, but insurance companies can often drag out cases. The insurance company wants you to accept a lower settlement.
It is not unusual after a dog attack for the owner to offer to pay the injured party’s medical bills and not involve attorneys and insurance companies. However, this may not be a wise course. Even the most generous dog owner could blanch when they see the bill and refuse to pay. They also will likely not be interested in paying your lost income when you are dealing with the dog bite injury.
Furthermore, a dog owner may have a hidden agenda by offering to pay your medical bills. For example, the dog could have a long history of aggressive behavior and attacks; in Wisconsin, the owner could be liable for double damages if they knew the dog had attacked before.
So, there is plenty of motivation for the owner to try to settle the matter with you directly. It may be better for you and the public to consult an attorney and determine if they can do better than what you have been offered in compensation by the owner.
It is common for dog owners to try to avoid responsibility and blame the victim for the dog’s aggression. Or, they may claim that you were trespassing on the property where the incident happened. This is why you should have a dog bite lawyer review your case promptly; the law is complicated, and you could get less than you deserve by handling the case alone.
Now that you understand Wisconsin’s dog bite laws, there is a legal path forward to follow if you are bitten. But it is always best if you can prevent the problem, so the American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends these tips to avoid being the victim of an aggressive dog:
If you were hurt in a dog bite incident in Wisconsin, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. To file a claim, contact our dog bite lawyers in Oak Creek at Martin Law Office, S.C., at (414) 856-4010.
