Even though dogs are often called "man's best friend," dog bites and dog attacks remain a serious public safety issue across Wisconsin. A dog bite can be traumatic, painful, and life-altering. Victims deserve to understand their rights and pursue full compensation under Wisconsin law.
At Lojewski Injury Law, we represent dog bite victims throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, and across Wisconsin. We understand Wisconsin's dog bite laws, how insurance companies defend these cases, and what it takes to protect injured people, especially children, after a preventable attack.
Call for a FREE Consultation to learn how we can help.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. About 1 in 5 of those bites (roughly 885,000) require medical attention. While fatal dog attacks are rare, they do occur and can have devastating consequences for families.
These numbers reflect a reality we see all too often: dog bites are not freak accidents. They are predictable, preventable injuries that frequently result from a failure to properly control or restrain a dog.
Wisconsin Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability Applies
Wisconsin has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country.
Under Wisconsin's strict liability statute, a dog owner is generally automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten someone before and regardless of whether the owner believed the dog was "safe."
This means:
- The victim does not have to prove negligence
- The victim does not have to show prior aggression
- The dog owner's intent usually does not matter
Double Damages in Wisconsin for Repeat, Serious Dog Bites
Wisconsin law imposes significantly increased penalties when a dog causes repeat, serious injuries. If a dog previously bit someone without provocation and caused an injury severe enough to break the skin and result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, and the owner knew or was notified of that prior bite, the law allows a future victim to recover double the full amount of damages.
This means that if the dog bites again and causes permanent physical scarring or disfigurement, the dog owner may be responsible for twice the compensation, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future care. These enhanced damages are designed to protect the public by holding owners accountable when they are on notice that their dog poses a serious risk and fail to take appropriate action.
Because this statute is highly specific and fact-dependent, whether double damages apply often turns on prior bite history, notice to the owner, medical documentation, and the severity of the injuries, which all should be carefully evaluated by an experienced Wisconsin dog bite attorney.
Wisconsin Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases
In most Wisconsin dog bite cases, the statute of limitations is three (3) years from the date of the attack. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery. So, it is critical to speak with a Wisconsin dog bite attorney as soon as possible after the attack.
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks in Milwaukee
Dog bite injuries can range from mild to catastrophic. We regularly see injuries including:
- Deep puncture wounds or lacerations requiring stitches or surgery
- Serious infections
- Nerve damage
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Facial injuries
- Loss of fingers or tissue
- Chronic pain
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs
These injuries often require ongoing medical care and can have lifelong consequences.
Children are the Most Vulnerable
Children, especially young children, are at the highest risk for serious dog bite injuries. Because of their size and natural curiosity, children are more likely to suffer bites to the face, head, and neck. These injuries can permanently impact a child's physical development, emotional health, and self-confidence.
Lojewski Injury Law takes special care when representing injured children and their families, understanding both the legal and long-term human impact of these cases.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Wisconsin
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, take the following steps:
- Contact 911 and Animal Control. You'll want to report the incident to law enforcement as well as the appropriate governmental agency as soon as possible. If your injuries are serious, contact 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
- Seek medical treatment immediately. Dog bite injuries can cause infections and disfigurement. You'll want to get to a doctor as soon as possible to be evaluated and receive the proper medical treatment.
- Gather the dog owner's information. This includes name, contact information, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information.
- Gather witness names and contact information.
- Gather evidence from the scene. Take photographs and videos of your injuries and the dog in question. Keep your torn or bloody clothing and photograph your clothing as well. Any other evidence that can help show what happened and that you did not provoke the dog will be helpful to a potential claim.
Contact a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Wisconsin
Dog bite cases may seem straightforward, but insurance companies often work hard to minimize or deny claims. At Lojewski Injury Law, we know how they operate and how to hold them accountable.
We focus on representing injured Wisconsinites, not corporations, and we advocate for full compensation. Call today for a Free Consultation.