Article Reviewed on 4/7/26
Always seek medical attention as quickly as possible, even if the bite doesn’t appear to be serious. Dog bites usually require an ER visit to determine the potential risk of infection.
Immediately file a report with the Department of Neighborhood Services or the police, and obtain a copy of the report.
Try to get the names of possible witnesses to the dog attack, as they could be critical to your case. Attempt to obtain the name and contact information of the dog’s owner, and take pictures of any visible injuries the dog attack caused. If possible, take pictures of the dog.
Once you’re safe and the incident is reported and documented, let Warshafsky Law take over. We will immediately begin reviewing your case and take over all communication with the dog’s owner and/or insurance company. Do not communicate with the dog’s owner or insurance company. If you accept any form of compensation informally, you may forfeit your right to sue for further damages.
Seek the medical care you need right away, especially for severe bites. Do not talk to anyone besides your medical provider and lawyer about the event.
Urgent Care or Primary Physician
For a civil lawsuit for a dog bite injury case against the dog owner.
Medical Expenses – You should be compensated for all medical bills resulting from a dog attack, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications and possibly psychotherapy to ensure you make a full recovery.
Lost Wages – Severe injuries and possible time in court can have a significant impact on your ability to work and earn income. You should be compensated for all wages lost as a result of your time spent in court as the victim of a dog bite.
Pain and Suffering – Pain and suffering compensation covers the emotional and physical distress you have been subject to because of a dog bite.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life – Severe injuries could potentially leave a victim of a dog bite permanently unable to take part in activities they enjoy. This damage to your quality of life should be compensated.
Property Damage – Any personal property damaged during the dog attack, such as clothing, eyeglasses, or other belongings, should be covered by the dog owner.
Year | Value of claims ($millions) | Number of claims | Average cost per claim |
|---|---|---|---|
2014 | $530.8 | 16,550 | $32,072 |
2015 | $571.3 | 15,352 | 37,214 |
2016 | $602.2 | 18,123 | 33,230 |
2017 | $686.3 | 18,522 | 37,051 |
2018 | $674.9 | 17,297 | 39,017 |
2019 | $796.8 | 17,802 | 44,760 |
2020 | $853.7 | 17,597 | 50,245 |
2021 | $881.9 | 17,989 | 49,025 |
2022 | $1,136 | 17,597 | 64,555 |
2023 | $1,116 | 19,062 | 58,545 |
Percent change, 2022-2023 | -1.8% | 8.3% | -9.3% |
Percent change, 2014-2023 | 110.2% | 15.2% | <82.5% |
in 2013
$1,116.0 million In 2023, the estimated value of dog bite claims was $1,116.0 million.claimed in 2023
19,062 Dog Bites The estimated number of dog bite claims in 2023 was 19,062.average cost of claim
$58,545 The average cost per dog bite claim in 2023 was $58,545.value of claims
1.8% From 2022 to 2023, the value of claims decreased by 1.8%.number of claims
8.3% The number of claims increased by 8.3% from 2022 to 2023.number of claims
9.3% The average cost per claim decreased by 9.3% from 2022 to 2023.Insurance companies will record and analyze anything you say to use against you later. There are several settlement rip-off tactics to be aware of. Never admit fault or agree to their version of events when speaking to an adjuster after an accident or incident.
Insurers may accuse you of fraud or threaten legal action, even though they have no real authority. Don’t believe baseless threats – they are merely tactics to intimidate you into accepting a low settlement.
Insurance companies may intentionally delay and stall by losing paperwork, transferring adjusters, not returning calls, etc. Their goal is to wear you down over time until you give up and accept an insufficient offer out of desperation.
Insurers will persistently push paperwork at you to sign for a low settlement amount. Do not sign anything without first reviewing it thoroughly with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
For dog bite claims against their policyholders, insurance providers frequently try to minimize payouts by denying claims, disputing liability, undervaluing injuries, and blaming victims for provoking attacks.
The best way to fight back against insurance company tactics is to hire skilled legal representation. An experienced personal injury lawyer is vital to effectively negotiate with insurers and secure fair compensation, including through litigation if necessary.
Wisconsin has specific laws governing dog bite incidents and the liability of dog owners. The most relevant laws include:
Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for 77% of all dog bites
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bulls Heavily Restricted
Pit Bulls are Considered “Dangerous”
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bull Ban Repealed in 2015
Pit Bulls are Declared “Vicious"
Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are Restricted
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bulls are Declared “Vicious”
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bulls and Wolf Hybrids are Restricted
Pit Bulls Considered "Fierce or Dangerous"
Pit Bull Ban Removed as of 2017
Pit Bulls and Doberman Pinschers are Declared “Dangerous”
Pit Bulls, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Mastiff breeds are Restricted.
Pit Bulls Banned, Unless Registered with the Village Prior to January 11, 2006 and Certain Requirements are Met
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bulls are Declared “Vicious”
Pit Bull Ban
Pit Bulls Banned, Unless registered with the Village Prior to September 10, 2002 and Certain Requirements are Met
Pit Bulls Banned, Unless Registered with the Village Prior to July 10, 2007 and Certain Requirements are Met
Pit Bulls are Declared “Vicious”
Pit Bulls Banned Unless Certain Requirements are Met, such as Registration and Reporting, Mandatory Insurance and Signage
Pit Bull Ban
MADACC can provide guidance on the proper procedures to follow, including reporting the incident, quarantining the animal for observation, and ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
If the dog involved in the bite incident requires immediate medical attention, you can contact the following emergency veterinary clinic:
You have three years from the date of the injury to sue for damages.
Yes. If your dog sustains injuries from another dog, you can file a lawsuit.
Sometimes. Coverage varies with each company, but many insurance companies will cover dog bites. Factors such as the dog’s breed will influence the policy. If you’re unsure, give your insurance company a call.
If you were trespassing or provoked the dog when you were attacked, the owner may not be liable for the costs and damages associated with the attack, unless there are extenuating circumstances.