National Dog Bite Lawyer
Representing Victims of Dog Bites
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually, and 800,000 of those bites required medical treatment.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes are capable of attacking people, although pit bulls, Rottweilers, mastiffs, boxers, and certain breeds tend to be the most common in reported attacks. Dog bites are common especially in children, who often suffer the most severe injuries.
Dog bites can lead to serious injuries such as:
- Tissue, muscle, nerve damage
- Infection
- Rabies
- Broken bones
- Permanent disfigurement
If you have suffered a dog bite injury, contact Casey Law Offices. We can evaluate your claim and discuss what damages you may be entitled to recover. Our personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients. We have extensive experience negotiating and litigating all types of dog bite claims involving a wide range of complex injuries.
Damages for Dog Bite Injuries
Those who are injured in a dog bite attack may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical treatment and medication
- Hospital costs
- Pain and suffering/emotional suffering
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Reconstructive surgery (if you are disfigured)
Wisconsin's Dog Bite Statute - Who Is Liable?
In Wisconsin, the dog owner is strictly liable for damages that result from a bite or attack on another person, animal, or property. If the dog owner was aware that the dog had a history of causing injuries, then the owner may be required to pay double the damages and face fines and penalties. The law also holds all dog owners, caretakers, and keepers liable for scienter (intent) and negligence.
There are instances that may limit the damages a person can recover for injuries caused by a dog. Examples include when a person is attacked while trespassing or provoking the dog.
Ways to Protect Your Dog Bite Claim Recovery:
- Determine your eligibility. You should contact a personal injury attorney to determine whether you have a valid case. Most injury lawyers offer free consultations. You can always give us a call to discuss your case at no cost.
- File quickly. As with all injury claims, you must file within a certain amount of time, otherwise you are unable to recover compensation if you take your case to court once this period of time passes. In Wisconsin, you generally have three years to file a lawsuit.
- Report the dog bite. Notify the owner of the dog, the owner of the property, and contact the police so a police report can be filed.
- Document evidence. If you can, take photographs of your injuries and of the scene, or have a friend do it for you. Having eyewitnesses is also important, so be sure to collect their contact information.
- Seek medical treatment. Go to a doctor as soon as possible to treat your injuries. Follow your doctor’s instructions and be sure to attend all follow-up appointments.
- Know your rights. Avoid talking to insurance companies or negotiating with them without knowing the true value of your case. We suggest you talking to an attorney first to know your rights or have your attorney negotiate with insurers directly.
Explore Your Options for Compensation
Often, dog bite cases involve neighbors and sometimes even friends and family. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney not only helps ensure the maximum fair settlement, but it can create some degree of separation between the victim and the dog owner, who might be someone the victim knows well.
You should not have to worry about filing a claim against the dog owner because many homeowners' and rental insurance policies can cover dog bites. A dog bite attorney can discuss your options for compensation and what you may be entitled to recover.
We have substantial experience representing clients who have been injured in dog bite attacks and other premises liability claims such as slip and falls.
Contact (414) 272-5564 to schedule your free consultation.
