Baraboo Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog may be considered man’s best friend, but dog bite injuries happen with alarming frequency in the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that dogs bite 4.5 million people each year. A significant portion of dog bite injuries require professional medical care.

Nearly 50 percent of dog bites happen to children, who also are at higher risk for severe injuries from dog bites.

At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we recognize that dog bite injuries bring physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term financial challenges for you and your loved ones.

Our skilled Baraboo dog bite lawyers can collect evidence, establish liability, and advocate for compensation for the expenses linked to dog bites.

Why Choose Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm For Your Baraboo Dog Bite Claim?

At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, our team of personal injury lawyers has experience working with people who have suffered a dog bite injury. A lawyer can evaluate your dog bite injury case and pursue potential compensation.

With offices in Baraboo, we know the laws that affect Wisconsin dog bite claims. There are strict deadlines for filing claims, underscoring the importance of promptly contacting a dog bite attorney.

Our group of Baraboo personal injury attorneys is dedicated to thorough case preparation, including evidence collection, communication with all attending physicians, and obtaining essential medical records to gain a comprehensive understanding of your injury and how it may affect your life and livelihood.

What Can a Baraboo Dog Bite Attorney Do to Help?

Talking to an experienced dog bite attorney can provide the help you need while you recover from your injuries. Especially with severe injuries involving scarring or requiring extensive medical treatment, legal representation can secure compensation for current and possible future medical expenses.

A personal injury attorney with experience handling dog bite cases can build a strong case on your behalf so you can focus on getting better.

• Legal consultation: Your dog bite lawyer will meet with you to talk about what happened. The initial consultation will help evaluate the dog bite incident and provide legal advice on whether you have a claim.
• Determining liability: Dog bite lawyers determine liability by assessing the dog owner’s negligence, prior aggressive behavior of the dog, and any violations of local leash laws or regulations.
• Compliance with legal deadlines: Attorneys meet all legal deadlines, including statutes of limitations for filing claims, to protect your right to file.
• Investigation: Your legal team will conduct a thorough investigation of the dog bite incident, including gathering evidence such as medical records, photographs, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage.
• Calculating damages: Personal injury lawyers calculate your damages, which may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and future medical costs.
• Negotiation: Your lawyer has experience negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company to reach a fair dog bite settlement on your behalf. This involves skillful communication and legal knowledge to maximize compensation.

Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process, explaining your rights, obligations, and what to expect at each stage of the case. If they reach a settlement, they ensure it will cover all current and future expenses related to the dog bite.

Throughout the process, dog bite lawyers provide emotional support and compassionate guidance, understanding the physical and emotional trauma associated with dog attacks.

Dog Bite Laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. This holds a dog owner liable for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog had shown prior aggression or if the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.

Wisconsin Statute § 174.02 makes the owner of a dog liable for the full damages caused by the dog injuring or causing injury to a person, domestic animal, or property.

In dog bite cases, the victim often seeks compensation from the dog owner’s home insurance company. Many homeowner’s insurance policies in Wisconsin cover liability for dog bite incidents.

Comparative Negligence

Wisconsin applies a modified comparative negligence standard. This means that if the injured person’s actions contributed to the dog bite, their compensation may decrease in proportion to their degree of fault. If the injured person is 51 percent or more at fault, they cannot recover damages.

For example, if the victim provoked the dog, such as by taunting, hitting, or threatening the dog, the court may find that their actions contributed to the attack.

Or, if the victim was unlawfully on the dog owner’s property or in an area where they had no legal right to be when the dog bite occurred, the victim’s trespassing may contribute to the attack.

An experienced dog bite attorney will fight against any attempts to inappropriately blame you for your injuries.

Statute of Limitations

In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims, like other personal injury claims, typically gives you three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

Statutes of limitations provide a clear and defined timeframe to initiate legal actions. After the statute of limitations expires, you cannot pursue the legal claim in court.

An experienced Baraboo dog bite attorney can identify who you can hold liable for your injury, negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies, and file your claim on time.

What Happens to the Dog if I File a Claim?

The primary objective of a dog bite injury claim is to provide compensation to the victim for their injuries and losses. It does not intend to punish the dog or its owner, except in cases where the dog presents an ongoing danger to the community.

Some dog bite victims may hesitate to file a claim for their injuries out of concern for what might happen to the dog. Even if the dog bites them, people have compassion for animals that may act out of fear or pain.

After you file a dog bite injury claim, an investigation may establish liability by examining factors such as the dog owner’s negligence, the circumstances of the attack, and any relevant local laws or regulations. Typically, the dog remains with its owner unless separate legal actions or local ordinances govern the dog’s behavior.

What Damages May Your Dog Bite Case Recover?

In a dog bite case, the victim may recover compensation for their injuries and losses. The specific damages awarded can vary depending on the case and the laws in the jurisdiction.

Here are some common damages a dog bite case may recover:

• Medical expenses: This includes compensation for all current and future medical costs related to treating the dog bite injury. It covers expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Pain and suffering: Victims may receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress they experienced because of the dog bite.
• Lost income: If the victim had to take time off work due to their injuries, they may recover compensation for lost income and any potential loss of future earning capacity.
• Scarring and disfigurement: When the dog bite resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement, additional compensation may address the cosmetic and psychological impacts.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases, punitive damages may punish the owner’s particularly egregious or reckless behavior and deter similar conduct.
• Wrongful death damages: If a dog bite results in a fatality, the victim’s family may pursue wrongful death damages to cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as compensation for their loss.

Contact a Baraboo Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Did you suffer a dog bite injury in Baraboo? You don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone. The experienced Baraboo dog bite attorneys from Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm are here to assess your case and advocate for your rights.

We make it our priority to get to know our clients and their cases so we can best represent you. We have offices in Baraboo and represent clients throughout Wisconsin.

Arrange for a free consultation with one of our Baraboo dog bite lawyers by calling (608) 448-6242 or filling out our online contact form. There is no cost or obligation when you meet with us. Contact us today and let us help you on the road to recovery.

Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm

315 Broadway Street Suite 100
Baraboo, WI 53913
608-200-4050