As the weather warms up in the spring, many people are spending more time outdoors, and as more and more people receive COVID-19 vaccinations, they will be able to gather together and enjoy being sociable with others. Unfortunately, this increase in personal interactions also brings the possibility that some people will be injured by other people’s pets. After a long year of limited interactions with humans, some dogs may act unexpectedly or aggressively and bite or attack people. Those who suffer dog bites may not only be injured by an animal’s jaws or claws, but they may experience other forms of bodily harm as well.
Injuries Resulting From Dog Bites and Attacks
Victims of dog attacks may suffer multiple different types of injuries. When a dog’s teeth break the skin, this can result in serious lacerations, puncture wounds that damage the underlying tissue, or torn muscles, ligaments, or tendons. If these wounds become infected, a person may experience life-threatening health conditions such as sepsis. A victim may also experience severe blood loss, especially if bites occur on the neck or sever major arteries. Serious wounds can result in scarring and disfigurement. Dogs with strong jaws may also break or crush the bones in a person’s arms, legs, or hands.
A person may also experience other types of injuries in a dog attack. A victim who is knocked to the ground may suffer broken bones, dislocated joints, whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries. Elderly people or those who have medical conditions are especially susceptible to harm, and even if a dog does not make contact with them, a person may experience issues such as heart attacks or seizures. In some cases, a dog could knock a person off a bicycle or cause them to fall into a roadway, leading to a pedestrian accident that could result in further injuries or wrongful death.
Under Wisconsin law, a dog’s owner or the person who was in control of the dog (such as a pet sitter, dog walker, or family friend) is liable for injuries and damages inflicted by the dog, including bodily injuries, injuries to other pets, or property damage. A person may be held liable even if the dog had never previously bitten or attacked someone. However, if the dog had previously attacked and injured someone without provocation, and the dog bite was severe enough to break a person’s skin or cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, the owner or person in control of the dog will be liable for two times the full amount of the victim’s damages.
Contact a Green Bay Dog Bite Attorney
At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., our attorneys can help you determine your legal options following a dog bite injury, and we will work with you to hold the dog’s owner or the person who was responsible for controlling the dog liable for all of your damages. We will fight to make sure you are fully repaid for the harm you have suffered. Contact our Appleton animal attack lawyers today at 920-739-7366 to set up your free consultation.
Sources:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/174.pdf