Milwaukee's Top Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyers Get a free consultation and file a claim today
Should I Sue for a Dog Bite Attack?
The short answer - Yes. If you required hefty medical attention or a hospital visit, and the dog owner did not offer full restitution for your expenses, your only course of action is to sue. Under Wisconsin State Statute, animal owners must ensure their pet is not a danger to those around them. Dog owners can be held liable for injuries resulting from the attack. If you have been the victim of negligent pet owners or a vicious animal, you deserve to be fully compensated for your physical and emotional suffering. Warshafsky Law’s aggressive dog bite attorneys are devoted to getting you the maximum amount of money possible for your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Attack
Seek Medical Attention: 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.
Report the Incident: Immediately file a report with the Department of Neighborhood Services or the police, and obtain a copy of the report.
Document the Incident: 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.
Contact Warshafsky Law: 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.
Dog bite laws in Wisconsin are clear. As a strict liability state, dog owners in Wisconsin may be held liable for injuries caused by their pet whether they had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior or not. If they did have prior knowledge of aggressive behavior, they may be liable for double the amount of damages.
There are often hidden sources of liability within dog attack cases. If a dog injured your child while in the care of others, we’ll put you in contact with a daycare negligence lawyer to determine the full degree of your claims. In certain dog bite lawsuits, the owner may not be the liable party due to the location in which the injury occurred. Warshafsky Law will consider all possibilities and navigate your case to fight for full compensation for your dog bite attack.
What damages can I receive compensation for after a dog bite?
If you are the victim of a dog bite, it is important to know the full scale of damages for which the owner may be liable. You are likely able to seek compensation to cover:
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.
On average, Warshafsky Law settles dog bite lawsuits for around $75,000, but the amount you receive will be dependent on the severity of your injuries, the level of negligence, where negligence is assigned and ultimately, if your case does go to trial, the judgment rendered.
Contact Warshafsky Law Firm for a free consultation about making a case for your dog bite attack. We’ll advise you on the best course of action to pursue the maximum settlement.
Settlement amounts in dog bite lawsuits vary significantly from case to case. The amount you receive will be largely dependent on the severity of the injuries sustained, where negligence is assigned, and the judgment delivered. Dog bites and attacks can cause significant traumatic injury. According to the CDC, over 850,000 dog bite victims a year require medical attention for their injuries.
Common Injuries following Dog Attacks include:
Scratching and Bruising
Torn or Shredded Skin
Fractures
Puncture Wounds
Deep Cuts and Lacerations
Dislocated Joints
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, it’s important to know the six levels of dog bites in order to understand and express the seriousness of the bite.
Level 1
Dog is acting aggressively, snapping, air-biting, but no actual contact
Level 2
There is tooth contact on skin, but no punctures
Level 3
Skin is shallowly punctured with one or multiple bites
Level 4
Single bite with deep punctures or lacerations
Level 5
Multiple bite attack with deep punctures, lacerations or structural damage
Level 6
Death of the victim
Minor injuries are classified as surface-level scratches and puncture wounds, for which you may have less influence to seek compensation for pain and suffering. Level 1 to Level 3 bites are usually considered minor injuries.
Severe injuries are classified as physical disfigurements such as large cuts, deep puncture wounds, fractured or broken bones and other intense structural damage. These injuries entitle you to a higher level of compensation, but your case will also likely take longer in order to display the full extent of the damages. Level 4 to Level 5 dog bites are considered serious, life-threatening injuries. If your loved one has died from a Level 6 dog bite, call us for help.
Dog bites carry incredible amounts of bacteria. Even if your injuries after a dog bite appear to be minor, it is critical to seek medical attention quickly to reduce the risk of infection and ensure you haven’t suffered any internal injuries. If you are due for a tetanus shot, you may need a booster as quickly as possible after you’re bitten. At Warshafsky Law Firm, we will use our expertise to advise you on your next best course of action to receive the maximum settlement for your injuries.
Dog Attack Statistics
(According to the World Animal Foundation)
4.5 Million Nearly 4.5 million people are victims of dog bites in the US each year
1 in 51 in every 5 dog bites becomes infected
70% 70% of dog bites are from unneutered male dogs
77%Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for 77% of all dog bites
Top 10 dogs responsible for bite attacks annually(yearly average between 2014-2020)
Pit Bulls
3,397BITES
Rottweilers
535BITES
German Shepherds
113BITES
Wolf Dogs
85BITES
Huskies
83BITES
Boxers
64BITES
Great Danes
37BITES
Bull Mastiffs
28BITES
Doberman Pinschers
23BITES
Malamutes
15BITES
Have you or someone you love been attacked by a dog in Wisconsin? Call Warshafsky, Milwaukee’s trusted dog bite attorney. We’ll fight big so you can fight back.
How does comparative negligence affect a lawsuit?
If you are the victim of a dog attack and seeking legal action, the owner’s insurance company will likely attempt to prove a level of comparative negligence to diminish the amount of compensation you can receive. They will look to prove you are partially or even fully responsible for the damages.
Trespassing on the dog owner’s property or provoking the dog may constitute proof of negligence on the dog bite victim’s behalf.
If the dog bite victim is judged to be less than 50% negligent, the amount of compensation the victim receives in damages will be reduced by the percentage of which they are found negligent.
Both parties could be considered negligent, at which point, a percentage of negligence will be assigned to both the victim and the dog owner.
If the dog bite victim is judged to be more than 50% negligent, the victim will receive no compensation for damages, even if the dog owner is also negligent.
It is absolutely vital that you not admit guilt in any form to the dog owner or the dog owner's insurance company, as they will almost certainly try to use whatever you say against you.
What happens if a dog bite occurs on my property?
If a dog bites someone on your property and you are not the owner of the dog, common-law liability may protect you from negligence charges, ideally preventing a lawsuit. A law governing the standard of care, however, may be a complication. Standard of care requires landowners/occupiers to keep a relatively safe environment for everyone on the premises, including keeping guests safe from possibly dangerous animals.
If a dog bites someone on your property, call your homeowner’s insurance as soon as possible, as some insurance companies will cover dog bites in their policy. Be aware the breed of your dog will be a factor. Some insurance companies will not cover certain breeds, such as Pit Bulls or Rottweilers. Keep in mind, once your insurance has provided coverage for the incident, they may increase your premiums or cease your coverage altogether.
Milwaukee Personal Injury Lawsuits Frequently Asked Questions
How long after a dog bite can you sue?
You have three years from the date of the injury to sue for damages.
Can you sue someone if their dog bites your dog?
Yes. If your dog sustains injuries from another dog, you can file a lawsuit.
Are dog bites covered by insurance?
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.
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