Sue For A Dog Bite Injury

Injury From Dog Bite Incident

According to a combination of reliable data and statistics, 1 out of every 60-70 people will suffer a dog bite injury each year. When dogs attack, people get hurt. In 2018 there were 36 dog attack fatalities. Between January and August of 2019, there have already been 30 reported deaths. Victims of a vicious dog attack are: pet owners, neighbors, babysitters, extended family members, or strangers. When there is a dog bite injury, some people are injured more severely than others. The type of dog breed and the age of the victim have an influence on the injuries. Children under ten years old, and the elderly, are the most vulnerable to severe mauling’s or death.

Local News About Dog Attacks

Recently in the local news, a young boy from Kenosha WI was attacked by a leashed Pit Bull. The incident happened outside of the boys home, and he is lucky to be alive. In 2018, a 49-year old woman from Milwaukee was mauled to death by her own pet Pit Bull. No matter how well an owner believes they know their dog, it remains unpredictable. Seemingly well-trained dogs with previously “sweet demeanors” can bite for no apparent reason. A dog bite injury happens quickly, at any moment, and without warning. Although small dog breeds like a Chihuahuas bite more frequently, those puncture wounds are not likely to cause the severe injuries associated with bites from large dog breeds. Large dog breeds such as a Rottweiler, Mastiff, German Shepherd, Bulldog, and especially Pit Bulls, are cause the most devastating injuries that require the most extensive medical attention.

Serious Medical Attention for Dog Bite Injury

Fractured bones or skull requiring surgery
Extensive suturing for deep puncture wounds
Nerve Damage due to location of puncture wound
Skin grafts or plastic reconstructive surgery
Loss of limbs or other extremities

If you have been seriously injured by a dog, the decision to hire an attorney to represent you will be top of mind.

Sue For Damages After Dog Bite

Protect your legal right to compensation. When you or someone you love has been seriously injured by a dog, there are specific steps to take. Report the dog bite injury right away. Seek medical help to begin addressing and caring for your wounds. Next, get some free advice from a personal injury law firm that has experience with dog bite cases. A good attorney is familiar with your legal rights, and will help determine if you have a case or not. Some cases require extensive investigations, especially if there are multiple parties involved. Nevertheless, a “responsible party” is typically a dog owner, insurance company, a third party, or combination of parties. Get your questions answered by speaking with a Wisconsin dog bite attorney. After hiring an attorney to represent you, their job is to prove who is at fault and liable. Once it’s determined who holds liability for your injuries, it must then be proven in court. Your attorney files the lawsuit on your behalf, and lays out the facts to the court. A successful outcome will cover damages associated with the accident such as medical bills, pain, suffering, and lost wages.

More About Dog Bite Cases

Emotional and psychological suffering often continues long after the physical healing is complete
The sharp teeth and strong jaws leave severe scarring and or permanent disfigurement
After effects of a dog bite may prevent one from earning fair wages in the future
In the most devastating dog bite cases, a vicious dog mauling can take a human life
When death is the result of a dog attack, it warrants a wrongful death case.
Wisconsin has strict laws that hold dog owners liable when their pet bites
- This means that you may be eligible for monetary compensation regarding pain, suffering, medical costs, loss of income, psychological factors, and more
- If the dog bit someone before and the owner was aware, compensation for damages could be doubled
Pit Bulls represent a large portion of ‘dog bites’ per Animal Control and/or Health Departments in at least twenty eight states including Wisconsin

Pit Bull Maulings

Some advocates prefer not to single-out pit bulls, but there is plenty of data available to support the dangers of this breed. According to most data sources, large breed dogs, (overwhelmingly Pit Bulls and Pit-Bull mixes), are responsible for nearly all mauling deaths. This includes a purebred or mix of the following Pit Bull classifications: American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog. Although these dogs make up less than 10% of the dog population, they fill dog shelters across the nation, and are responsible for more than 70% of human deaths. These dogs can appear to be kind, gentle and loyal to their owners but in an instant can turn deadly; attacking owners as well as strangers. When a Pit Bull breed is involved, the injury sustained is more likely to be a deadly mauling than a dog bite injury. As a result, breed-specific laws banning ownership of these types of dogs are enforced in 900 U.S. cities and military housing units.

Dog Incidents Facts & Statistics

Wisconsin is one of many states that enforces a dog leash law
Between 4.5 – 5 million dog bite incidents each year in the U.S.
Between 30 – 40 deaths each year caused by a large breed dog attack
Majority of fatal dog attacks involve Pit Bull or Pit Bull mixed-breeds
Mauling death’s associated with Pit Bull breeds tracked since 1833 at: fatalpitbullattacks.com
Young children and the elderly are at the greatest risk of serious injury or death from a dog attack
Dog bites cost insurers $675 million in 2018, paid out in homeowners liability claims

Hire Dog Bite Attorney

Rest assured that the dog bite attorneys at Action Law have experience winning dog bite cases. Whether your incident involved significant injuries or the death to a loved one, they fight and win. They are knowledgeable about Wisconsin dog bite laws and prove responsible parties are liable for damages. Get the compensation you deserve. Get the dangerous dog off the streets so they don’t bite again. Fill out the form here to initiate your case evaluation. It’s an easy way to get some free legal advice, with no strings attached. Hire Action Law Offices and sue for damages; you’ll pay nothing unless your case is won. #InjuredTakeAction

References: American Pet Products Association, DogsBite.Org, CDC, Polsk, Animal Control & WI Health Department, State Farm and the Insurance Information Institute

DISCLAIMER: Blogs and articles cover very basic accident and injury topics for education and awareness such as statistics, Wisconsin Laws, injury areas, compensation and injury victim rights. Information not intended for legal advice; consult with an attorney directly.