Wisconsin Dog Bite Injuries

According to the dog bite statute (174.02) in Wisconsin, the dog owner is strictly liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack on another person, domestic animal or property. If the dog’s owner is aware that the dog previously caused injuries, the owner must pay double damages. The owner also faces a fine and other penalties. Wisconsin also holds all dog owners, caretakers and keepers liable for scienter (intent) and negligence.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that roughly 2% of the American population is bitten by a dog annually, or 4.7 million people. 800,000 of those bites require medical treatment, and of those, over 360,000 require an emergency room visit.

Often, dog bite cases involves neighbors and sometimes even friends and family. Hiring an experienced attorney not only helps assure the maximum fair settlement, but creates some separation between the victim and the dog owner, who might be someone the victim knows well.

Related terms:  Dog bite injuries, bitten by a dog, attacked.