Dog bites can cause severe and painful injuries. They can also result in permanent disfigurement, psychological trauma, and significant financial distress. Whether you were attacked by a stranger’s dog in a Milwaukee park or a friend’s dog while visiting their house, you deserve justice and fair compensation. The experienced Milwaukee dog bite attorneys at LawtonCates are ready to fight for your rights and offer critical support as you navigate this difficult time. Contact us today to learn more in your free consultation.

Reasons to Hire a Lawyer After a Dog Attack

After a dog attack, victims often face mounting medical bills, long recovery times, lost income, emotional trauma, and significant scarring. Obtaining compensation can address these financial hardships and give survivors the resources to pay for future care and adapt to lasting disabilities.  An experienced dog bite lawyer in Milwaukee can assess your losses to place a value on your personal injury case and pursue maximum compensation.  

Since 1958, LawtonCates has provided top-quality legal representation to personal injury victims in Milwaukee and other communities in South Eastern Wisconsin. We offer:

  • Knowledgeable legal guidance – Our experienced dog bite attorneys have a deep understanding of Wisconsin personal injury law and can explain your options in plain language — no legal jargon that leaves you with more questions than answers.
  • In-depth investigations – All successful dog bite cases are built on a foundation of clear and convincing evidence. Your attorney will obtain incident reports, collect medical records, interview witnesses, and consult medical professionals to build you a robust case.
  • Tenacious negotiation – Ideally, your dog bite claim will settle out of court without the need for trial. Obtaining a settlement involves negotiating with the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance providers. At LawtonCates, our legal team includes skilled negotiators and seasoned trial attorneys who know how to present a strong, persuasive case.
  • Representation at trial – If the insurer won’t play fair, your Milwaukee dog bite attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to trial. LawtonCates has an impressive history of litigating precedent-setting cases in Wisconsin courts. We know what it takes to get the job done. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?

Wisconsin dog bite laws offer strong protections to victims. In many cases, they hold dog owners liable for any attacks, even if the dog has no history of aggression. However, there are instances in which other parties may be liable. 

The most commonly liable parties in a dog bite claim include:

  • Dog owner – The owner frequently bears some or all of the responsibility for dog bite injuries. They may be required to pay double the compensation if they were aware their animal had caused injuries in the past.
  • Property owners – A property owner who is aware that a dangerous dog lives on their property and doesn’t take reasonable measures to maintain safe premises may be liable for an attack.
  • Dog caregivers – If the negligent actions of the dog’s caregiver or walker somehow allowed the attack to occur, they may be legally responsible.

Dog Bite Laws in Milwaukee, WI

Understanding several key Wisconsin dog bite laws is essential when filing a dog bite injury claim. These statutes include:

  • Strict liability – Under Wisconsin Statute § 174.02, dog owners are responsible for any damage their dog does to people, property, and other animals, regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
  • Double damages for repeated incidents – Compensation may be doubled if the dog has a previous history of aggression without provocation.
  • Leash laws – Under Milwaukee law, dogs must be kept on a leash in all public places within the city unless that area is a designated leash-free zone, like Estabrook Dog Park, for example.
  • Prohibited dangerous animal designation – Milwaukee ordinances specify that a dog that causes bodily harm to a person on public or private property without provocation can be declared a prohibited dangerous animal and must be removed from the community or destroyed.  

Does Wisconsin Have the “One Free Bite” Rule?

In some states, dog owners are released from liability for a dog bite the first time their dog attacks someone and has no history of aggression. This is known as the “one free bite rule.” Wisconsin is not one of those states. By law, dog owners are liable for their dog’s aggressive behavior from the very first incident.

Common Injuries and Complications After a Dog Attack

Dog bites can cause severe injuries, especially to children. Our Wisconsin dog bite lawyers have handled cases involving injuries and complications like:

  • Puncture wounds and lacerations
  • Infections
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Broken bones
  • Facial injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Chronic pain
  • Psychological trauma

Determining what your dog bite case is worth involves a thorough examination of what happened, the severity of the injuries, their future implications, and how much insurance coverage is available to pay for the losses. A Wisconsin personal injury lawyer can gather evidence to assess the impact and extent of your injuries and calculate maximum compensation. 

How Do I File a Dog Bite Claim?

It’s essential to take appropriate measures after a dog attack to protect both your safety and your rights.  Here’s how to file a claim:

  • Collect the dog owner’s information – Get the dog owner’s name, contact information, and the pet’s name. Ask if the dog has its rabies vaccinations. If you cannot find the owner or the vaccination status cannot be confirmed, you will need emergency preventative treatments.
  • Seek medical treatment – If you didn’t need emergency medical attention, go straight to an emergency room or urgent care to get the bite treated.
  • File a report – Contact the Milwaukee Police Department or Department of Neighborhood Services and report the dog bite incident as soon as possible. This provides crucial official documentation that will help back your claim. 
  • Contact a dog bite lawyer in Milwaukee – Pursuing a dog bite claim can be complicated. Our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys can guide you through the process and help you avoid missteps that could harm your case. 

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims in Wisconsin could receive compensation for a wide range of losses, including:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Scarring and disfigurement

70 Years of Serving South Eastern Wisconsin — Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys Today

If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, a Milwaukee dog bite lawyer from LawtonCates can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free case review.