A dog bite can be a deeply traumatic experience. One moment you are enjoying a walk or visiting a friend, and the next you are dealing with a painful injury and the emotional shock of the attack. In the aftermath, you may be facing significant medical bills, lost time from work, and the potential for permanent scarring.
It’s a heavy burden to carry, and you shouldn’t have to carry it alone. In Wisconsin, the law is on your side. Our state has strict liability laws for dog bites, which means that a dog’s owner is responsible for the harm their animal causes, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression before.
However, getting the full and fair compensation you deserve is not always straightforward. This is where an experienced Wisconsin dog bite lawyer can make all the difference.
Understanding Wisconsin’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Wisconsin Statute 174.02 is clear: the owner of a dog is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring or causing injury to a person, domestic animal, or property. This is what’s known as “strict liability.” What does this mean for you?
It means you do not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent or knew their dog was dangerous. If their dog bit you, they are responsible. This is a powerful tool for victims, but insurance companies will still do everything they can to minimize their payout.
How an Insurance Company Will Fight Your Claim
Even with a strict liability law, the dog owner’s insurance company will not simply write you a check for the full value of your claim. They will look for any reason to reduce or deny your compensation. They may argue that:
- You provoked the dog: While provocation can be a defense, the insurance company may try to twist the facts to claim you were responsible for the attack.
- You were trespassing: The law applies differently if you were unlawfully on the owner’s property.
- Your injuries are not that serious: They may downplay the severity of your injuries, especially if you have soft tissue damage or emotional trauma.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Get Maximum Compensation
A Wisconsin dog bite lawyer is your advocate in the fight for justice. Here’s how we can help you get the maximum compensation you deserve:
- Thorough Investigation: We will conduct a full investigation into the attack, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting the dog’s history.
- Accurate Valuation of Your Claim: We will work with you and your doctors to understand the full extent of your injuries, including physical pain, emotional distress, and any long-term consequences like scarring or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will calculate all of your damages, including:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Compensation for scarring and disfigurement
- Aggressive Negotiation: We will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company, fighting back against their tactics and demanding a settlement that covers all of your losses.
- Trial-Ready Representation: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are always prepared to take your case to court and fight for you before a judge and jury.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
A: Seek medical attention immediately, even if the wound seems minor. Dog bites can lead to serious infections. Then, report the bite to your local animal control or police department. Finally, contact an experienced dog bite lawyer before you speak to the dog owner’s insurance company.
Q: Can I be compensated for emotional trauma?
A: Yes. In Wisconsin, you can be compensated for the emotional distress and psychological trauma caused by a dog attack, including anxiety, fear, and PTSD.
Q: What if the dog’s owner is a friend or family member?
A: This is a common and understandable concern. It’s important to remember that your claim is against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not against them personally. These policies exist specifically to cover these types of incidents.
Don’t Settle for Less. Contact a Wisconsin Dog Bite Lawyer Today.
You have been through a traumatic event, and you deserve to be fully compensated for your injuries and suffering. The compassionate and experienced attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve. We invite you to visit our homepage to learn more about our firm.
When you’re ready, contact us online or call us at 608-784-4370 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us take on the fight for you.