The holidays are often filled with fun parties, family and friends. However, with an increased amount of people entering and leaving a house, dog owners should be extra careful and make sure their furry friends remain on their best behavior.
According to dogsbite.org, 1, 000 Americans are treated in the emergency room for dog bites every day. Dog bites can result in serious injuries to both a victim and a dog, and should not be taken lightly. Thus, whether you are attending a holiday party at a home where a dog is present or you are a dog owner who is hosting a holiday party, it is important to exercise extra caution so that no one gets hurt.
Wisconsin Dog Bite Law and Common Injuries
According to Wisconsin law, a dog owner is liable for any damages a dog causes to a person, property, or domestic animal. Additionally, if an owner has knowledge of a dog previously causing damage to a person, property, or domestic animal, he or she may be liable for double the amount of damages.
Dog bites may seem harmless, but they can result in serious injuries depending on the severity of a bite. The following are examples of bodily injuries that may occur after a dog bite:
- Disfiguration of limbs;
- Scarring;
- Lacerations;
- Tissue loss;
- Bone fractures; and
- Infections, such as rabies.
Small children are especially susceptible to more serious injuries and should be checked for serious nerve damage or facial fractures following a dog bite.
Dog Bite Prevention
The last thing a person wants to deal with during the holidays is a dog bite. The following tips can help you safeguard yourself against a dog bite injury:
- Never approach or pet an unfamiliar dog that is confined;
- Always assume that a dog who does not know you may consider you as a threat and will act defensively;
- Pay close attention to a dog's body language and remain a safe distance away if you suspect a dog may be agitated;
- If you have children, make sure you ask a dog owner if his or her dog is comfortable around small children; and
- Speak to your children about not rough housing with any dogs and advise them to keep a safe distance until an owner approves.
Contact an Experienced Wisconsin Dog Bite Attorney
This holiday season, if you or a loved one is the victim of a dog bite in Wisconsin, please contact a Green Bay dog bite injury lawyer or Appleton dog bite lawyer at [[title]] With offices located in Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh, and will carefully review the facts surrounding your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call 920-739-7366.