Client sustained life-threatening injuries after being hit by a driver who passed away at the scene. We obtained close to the policy limits with an additional claimant pre-suit and negotiated medical liens down over $250,000.
"*" indicates required fields
A dog bite can happen in seconds, but the aftermath can follow you for much longer. Between the physical pain, medical appointments, mounting bills, and emotional trauma, victims are often left wondering where to turn and whether they have any legal options. Wisconsin law is clear: dog owners can be held strictly liable when their dog bites or injures someone, and that means you may have a meaningful claim even if the dog had never shown aggression before.
At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we know what it means to represent Waunakee families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. When you come to us with a dog bite case, you are working with attorneys who understand this community on a personal level and who are committed to fighting for every dollar you deserve through our Wisconsin dog bite lawyers‘ practice.
Wisconsin follows a strict liability standard for dog bite injuries, which gives injured victims a significant legal advantage. Under Wisconsin Statute § 174.02, a dog’s owner is liable for the full amount of damages caused by a bite, even if the owner had no prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous. If the owner knew the dog had previously bitten or caused injury, the victim may be entitled to twice the amount of damages.
This is an important distinction that sets Wisconsin apart from states that follow a “one bite rule,” where owners are only liable after a documented history of dangerous behavior. Here in Wisconsin, you do not need to prove the dog was vicious or that the owner was negligent. You only need to establish that you were bitten, that the identified dog caused the injury, and that you suffered damages as a result. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, millions of dog bites occur in the United States each year, making dog bites one of the most common causes of injury in the country.
Dog bites range from minor puncture wounds to injuries that require surgery, hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. Understanding the scope of your injuries is critical to building a claim that accounts for both your current and future medical needs.
The physical injuries from a dog attack can include deep lacerations, nerve damage, broken bones, facial injuries, and infections such as rabies or MRSA. Children are particularly vulnerable to severe facial and head injuries due to their height and proximity to a dog’s mouth. You can learn more about the various types of dog bite cases we handle in our detailed lawyer’s guide to Wisconsin dog bite laws.
Beyond the physical harm, many victims experience lasting psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and a persistent fear of dogs that can interfere with daily activities. These non-economic damages are very much a real part of your case, and we work to ensure they are fully valued in any settlement or verdict.
When we take on a dog bite case, our goal is to pursue maximum compensation for every category of loss that applies to your situation. Dog bite victims in Wisconsin may be eligible to recover a wide range of damages.
The types of compensation we commonly pursue on behalf of dog bite victims include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and costs related to reconstructive surgery or ongoing therapy. Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your recovery timeline, and the impact the attack has had on your daily life. Our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which signals to insurance companies that we are serious and positions our clients for the best possible outcome.
Acting quickly after a dog bite can make a meaningful difference in the strength of your claim. Seeking medical attention right away not only protects your health but also creates documentation linking your injuries to the attack. Identifying the dog and its owner, gathering witness contact information, and photographing your injuries as soon as possible are all steps that can significantly support your case.
Typically, Waunakee dog bite claims have a three-year statute of limitations, but certain exceptions and nuances of your unique case may impact this deadline. Therefore, it is always better to speak with an attorney as early as possible. If the bite resulted in a death, our Wisconsin wrongful death lawyers can help surviving family members understand their legal options.
At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, our attorneys bring more than 80 years of combined legal experience and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog in Waunakee, do not wait to get the help you need. We are ready to listen to your story, evaluate your claim, and fight for the outcome you deserve under the Pemberton Promise. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
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) 448-6242 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
Client sustained life-threatening injuries after being hit by a driver who passed away at the scene. We obtained close to the policy limits with an additional claimant pre-suit and negotiated medical liens down over $250,000.
In this car accident case, the client suffered catastrophic injuries in a head-on collision when the at-fault driver crossed the center line. Her injuries included multiple broken bones in the chest, ribs, wrist, and ankle, internal injuries requiring intestinal surgery, and a damaged artery in the spine. With medical expenses exceeding $4,000, we secured the at-fault driver’s full insurance coverage and pursued an additional $1,000,000 from the client’s own insurance policy. We also negotiated a reduction of more than $468,000 in outstanding medical costs to ensure the client received maximum financial recovery for her life-altering injuries and permanent impact on her ability to work.
The client’s loved one suffered a fatal injury in an auto collision that resulted in over $382,000 in medical bills. Acting as the family’s second attorney, we navigated difficult policy-limit issues and secured a $1,000,000 settlement. While the case had greater overall value and the family would have liked a higher recovery, they chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation and move forward.
“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”