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Dog bites in Wisconsin result in thousands of emergency room visits each year, leaving victims with physical scars, emotional trauma, and mounting medical expenses. When a dog attack happens in Fitchburg, experienced legal representation can help injured victims pursue accountability and compensation for their injuries.
At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the serious impact a dog bite can have on a person’s life. Our legal team has successfully represented dog bite victims throughout Wisconsin, helping clients pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. We know Wisconsin’s strict liability dog bite laws inside and out, and we use that knowledge to build compelling cases that protect our client’s rights.
Dog bite cases can operate under different legal standards than other personal injury claims. Wisconsin law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their animals cause, meaning a victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. According to research from the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States annually, with one in five requiring medical attention.
This strict liability framework creates a strong foundation for your case, but acting quickly remains crucial. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies often pressure victims into accepting inadequate settlements before they understand the full extent of their injuries.
Wisconsin Statute 174.02 creates strict liability for dog owners when their animals bite or attack another person. Under this law, an owner is liable for twice the amount of damages if they knew the dog previously injured or caused injury to a person. This enhanced liability provision recognizes that owners who fail to control aggressive dogs deserve greater accountability.
The statute applies whether the attack occurs on public or private property, provided the injured person was lawfully present.
Dog bites can cause severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Victims often suffer deep lacerations requiring stitches or surgical repair, puncture wounds that risk infection, facial injuries that may need reconstructive surgery, nerve damage causing loss of sensation or mobility, and broken bones from the force of the attack.
Children face particularly serious risks because their smaller stature places them at greater risk of head, neck, and facial injuries. Beyond physical trauma, many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety around dogs, and lasting emotional scars that affect their quality of life for years.
Successful dog bite cases require thorough documentation and careful legal planning. We gather medical records detailing the extent of your injuries, photograph your wounds at various stages of healing, collect witness statements from anyone who saw the attack, obtain the dog’s veterinary and behavioral history, and document how the injuries have impacted your daily life and ability to work.
This comprehensive approach ensures we can demonstrate the full scope of your damages. Many insurance companies attempt to minimize settlements by arguing that victims provoked the dog or trespassed on private property, but we address these defenses with solid evidence and expert testimony.
Dog bite compensation varies based on several factors. Medical expenses include emergency room treatment, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical needs. Lost wages compensate for time missed from work during recovery, while diminished earning capacity addresses long-term career impacts.
Pain and suffering damages recognize the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life you’ve experienced. For permanent scarring or disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face, additional compensation reflects the lasting impact on your appearance and self-confidence. When a dog has previously shown aggression or bitten someone before, Wisconsin law allows for double damages, significantly increasing your potential recovery.
We begin every case with a free consultation where we listen to your story, assess your injuries, and explain your legal options. Once you have retained us, we immediately send preservation letters to the dog owner and their insurance company, investigate the incident thoroughly, and handle all communication with adjusters who try to minimize your claim.
Our personal injury lawyers understand that insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests, and we level the playing field by bringing decades of combined experience to your side. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.
Dog bite claims typically follow a predictable path, though each case’s specific timeline depends on the severity of injuries and willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly. Initial treatment and stabilization come first, followed by ongoing medical care until you reach maximum medical improvement.
We then compile all documentation, calculate total damages, and submit a demand package to the insurance company. Many cases settle during negotiation, but if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Throughout this process, we keep you informed and involved in every major decision.
Fitchburg families and businesses trust our firm because we’ve built a reputation for aggressive advocacy and compassionate client care throughout the Madison metropolitan area. Our attorneys maintain an impressive track record of successful outcomes in catastrophic injury cases, including those involving severe dog attacks. We understand that suburban communities like Fitchburg have unique characteristics, with residential neighborhoods, parks, and walking trails where dog encounters frequently occur.
Attorney William Pemberton and his team have recovered millions of dollars for injured Wisconsinites, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you. We handle cases involving all types of dog breeds and attack scenarios, from minor bites requiring stitches to devastating maulings causing permanent disfigurement. Our firm’s resources allow us to consult with medical experts, animal behaviorists, and other specialists who strengthen your case.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a dog bite in Fitchburg, don’t wait to seek legal help. Wisconsin’s statute of limitations typically gives you three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, but evidence preservation and early case development significantly improve your chances of maximum recovery.
There are important exceptions and nuances that can affect the applicable deadline. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after the incident, hoping to secure a quick settlement before you understand your rights or the full extent of your injuries.
Before speaking with any insurance company, contact our office for a free, no-obligation case review. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about your path forward. You deserve experienced advocates who will fight tirelessly for your rights and your recovery.
Insurance companies profit when you lose. Every claim they deny, every settlement they lowball, every injured person they convince to accept less—that’s money in their pocket. And they’re very good at what they do.
At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we’ve made it our mission to take on the insurance companies that put profits over people. We know every underhanded tactic they’ll use to cheat you out of fair compensation, and we’re prepared to fight fire with fire. When insurance adjusters see us coming, they know they’re in for a real battle. You didn’t ask to be injured.
You didn’t ask to fight a billion-dollar corporation. But now that you’re here, you deserve lawyers who will go to war for you. We don’t settle for less than full compensation, we don’t back down from tough fights, and we don’t let insurance companies bully our clients. PERIOD.
Life following a serious injury can bring intense emotions and pain. Accident victims often hope to get their lives back on track, only to be held back by the demands involved with personal injury claims. This is especially the case for individuals who become hospitalized. Wherever you are in the process, we’d be glad to help.
Our injury lawyers in Wisconsin step up to represent you. At Pemberton, we provide this advocacy at every step in the injury claims process so you can be on your way to feeling like yourself again.
Contact our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys at (608) 737-3498 to speak with one of our experienced attorneys. We will create a plan together to help you protect your rights and get you back to your life.
$33M+ Won For Our Clients
The client suffered multiple facial lacerations—including scratches to the right eyelid and below the eyes—a red mark on the nose, and swelling and bruising to the eyelids. After incurring $21,663.78 in medical treatment, our firm secured a $400,000 settlement to compensate the client for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the potential for lasting cosmetic and emotional harm.
The client suffered nine puncture wounds to the right arm, requiring surgery to remove bone fragments and clean out the injuries. After accumulating over $30,000 in medical bills, we secured a $150,000 settlement and reduced medical liens by one-third, helping maximize the client’s recovery.
The client sustained a puncture wound and multiple bite marks to the forearm, with only one date of medical treatment and $598.95 in bills. Despite the minimal treatment record, we negotiated a $40,000 settlement — a phenomenal result that compensated the client for injury, scarring, and trauma.
“If you ever need an attorney, he would be the first one I recommend”
“Focus on healing and we will take care of everything on the legal side”
“If you ever need an attorney, he would be the first one I recommend”
