Dog bite injuries can be extremely painful injuries that are often made worse if an infection develops. Bruising and swelling of the area is common. Scarring is also common with dog bite injuries. It is important to hire a dog bite lawyer who understands the special laws that apply to these types of cases.
Wisconsin has a statute that sets forth the law for recovery if you have been injured by a dog. Wisconsin Statute 174.02 provides that the owner of a dog is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog for injuring a person, domestic animal, or property. If the dog has previously caused injury to a person, domestic animal or property, the owner is liable for twice the full amount of damages caused by the dog. An owner is broadly defined as someone who owns, harbors, or keeps a dog. Harboring a dog means to give it shelter or refuge. Keeping a dog owned by a friend or relative could result in liability.
The personal injury lawyers of Murphy & Prachthauser also understand that the statute uses the word ”damages,” and that has been construed to mean more than just a dog bite. If a dog chases someone into traffic and they are hit by a car, the damages could be construed to be caused by a dog. If a chasing dog causes someone to fall and injure themselves, that too is damage caused by a dog. However, tripping over a sleeping dog was found to not be covered by this statute.
If you have been injured by a dog, our dog bite lawyers will determine if that dog has a history of causing damage to other people, domestic animals, or property by researching city government records. Police departments and many health departments keep records of dog attacks.
If you have been injured by a dog owned or harbored by another person, call the dog bite attorneys at Murphy & Prachthauser for a free evaluation of your potential dog bite case.
