Dogs are often considered to be man’s best friend due to the companionship and loyalty they can provide to an owner. Dogs are also treated as members of the family and receive the same, if not more, love and respect that other family members receive. However, regardless of how revered a dog may be, all it takes is one act of aggression before a beloved four-legged friend and its owner face consequences together. Although certain dogs such as Rottweilers and Pitbulls are often classified as dangerous breeds due to their aggressive temperament and rough exterior, a bite from even a small dog can cause serious injury. Thus, it is important that a victim of a dog attack take the proper steps to ensure he or she is compensated for any injuries sustained.
What Should You Do after a Dog Bite or Dog Attack?
Dog bites can be very painful and can cause serious injuries. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the bite or attack, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries. In Wisconsin, the owner of a dog who bites a victim or causes injury is strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog. Legally, “owner” includes any person who owns, harbors, or keeps a dog as well. [[title]], through the work of Attorneys Michael S. Siddall and Andrew J. Rossmeissl, helped to develop the law as it relates to defining who may be a “harborer” or “keeper” of a dog for purposes of liability. See Pawlowski v. American Family Mut. Ins. Co., 2009 WI 105.
If you provoked the dog attack or were attacked by a dog while not lawfully on someone else’s property, you may meet resistance in trying to recover for your damages. If these facts apply to the circumstances of your injuries, the best thing to do is contact an experienced dog bite lawyer who can help you work through these potentially challenging legal complexities.
Immediately following a dog bite or attack, take the following steps to protect your right to receive compensation for your injuries:
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Seek appropriate medical attention;
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Write down the contact information of all of the witnesses, the owner of the dog, or whomever had custody of the dog when the dog bite occurred;
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Write down the details surrounding the dog bite right after it happens so that it is fresh in your mind;
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Take pictures of your wounds or injuries;
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Obtain documentation from your doctor for the treatment of the wounds; and
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Retain copies of all medical bills related to the injury.
Double Damages
In Wisconsin, the owner of a dog is liable for two times the full amount of damages caused by a dog if the owner was notified or knew that the dog previously injured or caused injury to a person, domestic animal or property.
Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one is the victim of a dog bite or dog attack, contact one of our knowledgeable Green Bay dog bite lawyers or Appleton dog bite lawyers at [[title]] We have offices located in Appleton, Oshkosh, and Green Bay and can help you pursue legal action to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.