The time it takes to settle a dog bite claim is not the same for everyone, and it depends on many different factors. Some claims can be resolved in a few months, while others may take a year or longer.
The timeline depends on elements such as the severity of the injury, the clarity of liability, and the insurance company’s willingness to offer a fair settlement. Because of these challenges, settling a dog bite claim can feel difficult to complete.
Our Milwaukee dog bite injury lawyer team will handle your claim and all of the details that come with it. This includes identifying who’s responsible, handling negotiations with the insurance company, and building the strongest case possible for your financial award.
How We Address Challenges That Can Delay Dog Bite Claims
The factors that slow down a dog bite case are often the same ones that our lawyers have experience handling. When you work with our legal team, we will deal with the insurance companies and legal paperwork for you.
Our Milwaukee personal injury lawyer will:
- Collect evidence early: Medical records, photos, and witness statements help prove the full impact of your injuries.
- Work with medical professionals: We will consult with doctors to understand future treatment needs before pushing for a settlement.
- Respond to disputes: If the dog owner or insurer tries to deny fault, we will present the law and facts that support your case.
- Push back against delays: Our attorneys know how to respond when insurance companies drag their feet or offer unfair settlements.
- Prepare for trial if necessary: While many cases settle, our dog bite claim lawyer is ready to take your case to court, which will show the insurer we are serious about recovering your financial award.
By addressing these issues head-on, our dog bite injury lawyers will help you understand the dog bite laws in Wisconsin and keep your case for damages moving forward.
For a free legal consultation, call (414) 276-6666
Damages We Can Work to Recover With a Dog Bite Claim
Victims of dog bites often face serious costs and hardships. A claim can help recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital bills, surgery, medication, and ongoing treatment
- Future medical needs: Physical therapy, plastic surgery for scarring, or long-term care
- Lost income: Pay you missed while healing and reduced ability to work in the future
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain caused by the bite and recovery process
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or fear of dogs after the attack
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent you from hobbies, activities, or family time
- Property damage: Clothing or personal items destroyed in the attack
In fatal injury cases, our wrongful death lawyers in Milwaukee can also help families pursue damages for funeral costs and loss of support.
What Wisconsin Law Says About Dog Bites
Wisconsin has a strict liability dog bite law found in Wisconsin Statutes § 174.02. This law says that a dog’s owner is responsible for damages if their dog injures someone, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
The victim does not have to prove that the owner was careless—the owner is automatically responsible. This strict liability rule makes it easier for injured people to pursue claims, but insurance companies can still try to limit payouts.
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Who Could Be Responsible for a Dog Bite in Wisconsin?
When someone is hurt in a dog bite or animal attack, the dog’s owner is usually the one held responsible. Under the law, owners are strictly liable if their dog causes injury. That means they are legally responsible whether or not they knew the dog might bite.
But in some cases, other parties could also be involved:
- Dog owners: They are the primary party responsible under Wisconsin law.
- Landlords or property managers: If they knew a dangerous dog lived on the property and failed to act, they could share some responsibility.
- Caretakers or dog walkers: If someone else was in control of the dog at the time of the attack, they may also be held liable.
- Parents of minors: If the dog’s owner is a child, the parents may be responsible for damages.
Determining who is legally responsible can be a complex process. A lawyer can review the facts, examine who had control of the dog, and hold the right people accountable.
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What Are Double Damages in Dog Bite Cases?
Wisconsin’s dog bite law also allows for something called double damages. This applies if the dog has bitten someone before and the owner was aware of it.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
- If a dog bites someone for the first time, the owner is responsible for the damages caused.
- If the dog has bitten before and the owner was aware, the law allows the victim to collect twice the amount of damages.
Double damages are supposed to hold owners more accountable if they fail to control a dog they know is dangerous.
Our Wisconsin Dog Bite Lawyers Will Help With Your Injury Claim
We understand how painful and stressful a dog bite or animal attack can be. Part of that stress comes from not knowing how long it takes to settle a dog bite claim or what challenges may delay the process.
Instead of handling the recovery process alone, let us help. We can tell you what to do if you have been bitten by a dog in Wisconsin and what your next steps are. Gruber Law Offices, based in Milwaukee, has represented tens of thousands of clients for 40-plus years. With over 130 legal professionals on staff, we have the resources to take on insurers from day one.
Our Wisconsin dog bite lawyers help clients not only in bite cases but also in animal attack cases that involve scratches, falls, or other injuries a pet caused. We work contingency, which means you pay nothing up front to hire us. There’s never a fee until we win. Don’t take on the insurer alone. Make One Call…That’s All! to contact us for a free consultation.
Call or text (414) 276-6666 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
