When you think of dog-related injuries, bites are probably the first thing that comes to mind. While common, they aren’t the only way dogs can cause harm. Many people suffer serious injuries every year in accidents involving dogs without a single bite mark.
Imagine this: You’re out for a walk when a large dog suddenly charges toward you, knocking you off balance. You trip, fall, and break your wrist. Or maybe a dog jumps up in excitement, causing you to fall backward and hit your head. These types of non-bite incidents happen more often than you might think and can lead to long-term health problems, costly medical bills, and time away from work.
Unfortunately, these injuries are often dismissed or overlooked, leaving victims without the compensation they deserve. That’s where experienced legal representation becomes crucial. At Murphy & Prachthauser, we understand the unique challenges involved in non-bite dog injury cases and are dedicated to advocating for clients who have been harmed by these preventable incidents. In this blog, we’ll explore the main factors involved in these cases to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Types of Non-Bite Dog-Related Injuries
Dogs can unintentionally cause harm through actions like running or jumping. These accidents can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences. Below, we explore common types of non-bite injuries and how they may impact victims.
Trips and Falls
A playful or excited dog may not intend to hurt anyone, but their behavior can create dangerous situations. Dogs that run into or cut across a person’s path can cause trips and falls. Even smaller dogs, when moving suddenly or standing underfoot, can be easy to overlook and become a tripping hazard.
These incidents often result in serious injuries such as broken bones, sprained joints, or even head trauma. The risks are particularly high for vulnerable individuals like children, the elderly, or those with mobility challenges. Victims may face extended recovery times, expensive medical treatments, and disruptions to their daily lives.
Knockdowns
Dogs jumping on or colliding with people can cause unexpected knockdowns, leading to severe physical injuries. A dog’s excitement or size can pose a significant risk—especially to small children or older adults, whose bodies are more susceptible to fractures, concussions, and other trauma.
These accidents often occur in settings where dogs are allowed to roam off-leash, such as parks or neighborhoods. Even well-trained dogs can behave unpredictably in social or high-energy environments.
Scratches and Abrasions
Dog claws, whether from playful interactions or aggressive movements, can inflict painful scratches and abrasions. These wounds may seem minor at first, but they can lead to more serious complications, such as infections or permanent scarring.
In some cases, scratches to sensitive areas like the face or eyes can result in more significant harm, particularly for children. Parents often find themselves grappling with not only physical injuries but also the emotional trauma of seeing their child in pain or distress. Proper care and medical attention are crucial in preventing long-term damage.
Dog Fright
“Dog fright” refers to injuries sustained while reacting to a perceived threat from a dog—even when no physical contact occurs. For example, someone riding a bicycle might take evasive action to get away from a barking or charging dog and hit a curb, causing them to fall. These instinctive reactions can result in broken bones, cuts, or worse.
Wisconsin law recognizes dog fright as a valid basis for a claim. However, victims of dog fright often face skepticism when pursuing legal action, so having experienced legal representation is essential.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Dog-related accidents don’t just affect the body—they can leave lasting emotional scars as well. Intense fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common in victims. These psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones by affecting a person’s ability to live their life without constant fear or anxiety.
Compensation for emotional trauma is a critical part of many personal injury claims. Courts are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing these invisible wounds.
Who is Liable for Non-Bite Dog Injuries in Wisconsin?
When a dog-related injury occurs, many victims are left wondering who is responsible for the harm they’ve suffered. In Wisconsin, liability laws are designed to protect victims and ensure that dog owners are held accountable for the actions of their pets, whether or not the dog has shown prior signs of aggression.
Strict Liability
Under Wisconsin law, dog owners are strictly liable for the full amount of damages caused by their dogs. This means that even if a dog has never behaved aggressively or caused harm before, the owner is still legally responsible for any injuries the dog inflicts. Strict liability applies to both bite and non-bite incidents.
In most cases, a homeowner’s insurance policy will cover these types of injuries. This coverage protects both the victim and the dog owner by ensuring that compensation is available for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, insurance companies may not always offer fair settlements, so having experienced legal representation is important for securing the compensation you deserve.
Negligence in Dog Ownership
Negligence can also play a role in non-bite dog injury cases. Negligence occurs when a dog owner fails to exercise reasonable care in controlling their pet, leading to an avoidable accident. Examples of negligence might include:
- Allowing a dog to run off-leash in a public area where leash laws are in place.
- Failing to restrain a dog known to be overly playful or excitable around strangers.
- Not having a proper gate or fence, resulting in a dog escaping and causing harm.
Even if a dog has no history of aggression or prior incidents, owners can be held liable if their failure to control the animal contributed to someone’s injury. Courts consider factors such as the location of the incident, the dog’s behavior, and the owner’s actions at the time to determine whether negligence occurred.
Seeking Compensation for Non-Bite Dog Injuries
If you’ve been injured in a non-bite dog-related incident, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover the financial and emotional toll of your injuries. Wisconsin law allows victims to recover various types of damages, depending on the nature and severity of the accident.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills can quickly add up after a dog-related injury, and compensation for these costs is often the primary concern for victims. You may be able to recover the full cost of:
- Ambulance services
- Emergency room visits
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and ongoing rehabilitation
This compensation is designed to ensure you are not burdened by out-of-pocket expenses for care that was required due to someone else’s negligence.
Lost Wages
Injuries sustained from a dog-related accident can lead to time off work and lost income. If your recovery period prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for both past and future lost earnings.
For example, someone who fractures their wrist in a fall caused by a dog may need weeks—or even months—away from their job, particularly if their work involves physical tasks. In severe cases where injuries result in long-term disability, victims may also seek compensation for reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical and emotional impact of your injuries. While medical expenses cover tangible costs, pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate for:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- A diminished quality of life, such as being unable to participate in activities you once enjoyed
These types of damages can be significant, especially in cases where the injury leads to long-term or permanent hardship.
Property Damage
In some non-bite dog injuries, property damage may also occur. Items like clothing, eyeglasses, smartphones, or other personal belongings may be damaged during a fall or physical altercation with a dog. Victims can seek compensation to repair or replace these items as part of their overall claim. While these damages might seem minor compared to medical expenses, they still represent a loss and can contribute to the financial burden of the incident.
How a Dog Bite Injuries Lawyer Can Help
Dog-related injury cases, whether involving bites or non-bite incidents, can be legally complex. From strict liability laws to negotiating with insurance companies, victims often face challenges in securing fair compensation. An experienced dog bite injuries lawyer from Murphy & Prachthauser can navigate these complexities for you. We gather evidence, handle legal filings, and negotiate with insurers to ensure your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully accounted for.
Having a knowledgeable advocate by your side can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome. Our team is dedicated to maximizing your compensation and providing peace of mind throughout the process. Contact Murphy & Prachthauser today to connect with a non-bite and dog bite injuries lawyer and schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.