Wisconsin imposes strict liability on dog owners for attacks and bites. Dogs are known for being extremely friendly and submissive but are also capable of attacks. Hundreds of people endure serious injuries because of dog bites every year in the US. If you were bitten by a dog without provocation, you can seek damages according to wisconsin dog bite laws. Here are a few details that will come in handy as you file an injury claim.
A look at strict liability
If you sustained physical injuries along with emotional distress and endured anxiety and trauma because of a dog attack, strict liability allows you to recover compensation for all that. Also, the laws here impose double damages on dog owners if their pets have caused harm or attacked other people in the past. You must also understand that the circumstances concerning the attack largely determine if you can file a lawsuit. For instance, if you were trespassing on someone’s property, the owner may use that detail against you.
Hiring an attorney is always better
Filing a dog bite lawsuit may sound easy, but there are steps involved. One of the critical tasks is to negotiate the settlement, for which you may have to deal with the dog owner’s insurance company. Because most people don’t understand personal injury laws, they fail to take necessary steps. Once you have a dog bite lawyer, they are in charge of many things and will do the following –
- Evaluate what damages you can recover
- Find evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Negotiate with the dog owner, if necessary
- Find witnesses and gather testimonies
- Take the lawsuit to court
Finding the right lawyer in Wisconsin
You will find local law firms in your city in Wisconsin through an online search. Find an attorney who specializes in personal injury law and has worked extensively on dog bite lawsuits. You can schedule free consultations with two or more lawyers and discuss your case in detail to know whether they can help you. Online ratings are also helpful for comparing different injury lawyers. You should also ask the lawyer if they have been to court and the contingency fee they would charge, which could be 25% or more.
The statute of limitations in Wisconsin gives you three years to file a dog bite lawsuit. Don’t wait for long to seek help from an attorney.
