If you are bitten by a dog in Wisconsin, you should get medical attention right away, report the attack, and speak with a lawyer who understands Wisconsin’s dog bite laws. Dog bite cases are often more complex than they seem.
Insurance companies may fight over coverage, and Wisconsin has unique rules about when an owner pays more than once. Our Milwaukee dog bite injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue the damages you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury in Wisconsin
The aftermath of a dog bite can feel confusing and stressful, but taking the right steps will protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Below are the most important actions to take if you are bitten by a dog in Wisconsin.
Get Medical Care Right Away
Your health comes first. Even small bites can lead to infection or scarring. Go to the ER (emergency room), urgent care, or your doctor promptly. Explain how the injury happened and keep copies of your medical records and bills.
Report the Bite to Local Authorities
Once you are safe, report the bite to animal control or the police. This creates an official record of the attack and helps protect others from the same dog. If the dog isn’t vaccinated, officials may order it quarantined.
Gather Evidence and Records
Take photos of your injuries and where the bite happened. Save medical bills, wage statements, and receipts for treatment. If witnesses saw what happened, write down their names and numbers. These details help build your case.
Avoid Quick Settlements
Insurance companies may push you to take less money than your case is worth. Before accepting any offer, talk to our Wisconsin dog bite injury lawyer who can review the settlement and explain your options.
Once you’ve handled the immediate steps, you may wonder what Wisconsin law says about dog bites. Here’s what you should know.
Wisconsin’s Dog Bite Law Explained
Wisconsin has a “strict liability” law for dog bites, found in Wis. Stat. § 174.02. This law means that a dog’s owner is responsible if their dog injures someone, whether it is the first bite or not.
Here’s what that means in simple terms:
- First bite: The owner must pay for the injuries their dog caused.
- Second or later bite: If the dog has already bitten someone and the owner knew about it, the owner may have to pay double damages.
What Are Double Damages?
“Double damages” means the victim can recover twice the amount of money they would normally get for medical bills, lost pay, pain, or scarring. This rule is meant to encourage owners of dangerous dogs to take responsibility before someone else gets hurt.
Dog bite laws can also apply if a dog knocks you over, scratches you badly, or otherwise causes injury without an actual bite. Any injury caused by a dog’s actions can fall under Wisconsin’s strict liability law.
Our Dog Bite Lawyer Will Handle Your Case While You Recover
Dog bite cases may seem simple, but they often become more complicated once insurance companies get involved. Our personal injury lawyers in Milwaukee will handle the legal details so you can focus on healing.
Here’s what we will do for you:
- Apply the law correctly: Wisconsin’s strict liability law and double damages rule can make a big difference in your case. Our lawyer will know when the law applies and how to use it in your favor.
- Investigate the attack: We will gather police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements to build strong evidence.
- Deal with insurance companies: Insurers may try to deny, delay, or underpay your claim. We speak their language and will challenge them with the law on your side.
- Value your damages: We will look at your current and future costs so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Represent you in court if needed: Most cases settle, but if yours goes to trial, your lawyer will be ready to present your case before a judge or jury.
With the right lawyer from our team fighting for you, you don’t have to worry about missing legal deadlines, misunderstanding the law, or being taken advantage of by insurance companies.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Dog Bite Case?
The harm from a dog attack can go beyond the initial wound. With help from a lawyer, you may be able to recover:
- Medical costs: Emergency care, surgeries, or scar treatments
- Lost income: Missed work while recovering
- Pain and suffering: Lasting pain or emotional trauma after a dog bite attack
- Scarring or disfigurement damages: Especially common in face, hand, or arm bites
Recovering Damages in Fatal Dog Bite Cases in Wisconsin
In certain cases, dog attacks can result in fatal injuries. If your loved one lost their life after an encounter with a dog, you may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Our Milwaukee wrongful death lawyer can guide you on whether your family may recover damages such as funeral expenses, burial costs, and the loss of your loved one’s support.
Bitten by a Dog? Our Wisconsin Dog Bite Lawyers Will Pursue Justice for You
If you’re wondering what to do if you’re bitten by a dog in Wisconsin, turn to a team that has the skill and resources to fight for you. At Gruber Law Offices, we understand how serious a dog bite or animal attack can be.
These cases often bring high medical bills and lasting scars. Insurers may try to reduce your claim, but we will fight them for you. Our firm, based in Milwaukee, has proudly served tens of thousands of clients across Wisconsin for more than 40 years. With over 130 legal professionals on staff, our firm has the power to take on insurance companies from day one.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so it costs nothing up front to hire us. You also pay nothing until we win your case. Your consultation is free and comes with no obligation. Make One Call…That’s All! Contact us today to discuss your injury and how we can help with your recovery.
