Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: What Are Your Legal Rights?

Animal-related injuries can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. Dog bites are a frequent cause of emergency room visits and can lead to serious medical complications. Understanding your legal rights after a dog bite or animal attack is an important first step toward addressing the incident properly and protecting your well-being.  

Legal Responsibility in Wisconsin 

Wisconsin law holds dog owners legally responsible for injuries caused by their dogs. Under Wisconsin Statutes section 174.02 states that “the owner of a dog is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring or causing injury to a person, domestic animal or property.” This applies whether the dog has previously shown aggressive behavior. 

If a dog has previously bitten someone and the owner was aware of it, the law allows the injured party to pursue double damages, two times the full amount of damages caused by the dog biting. This strict liability approach means that owners must take meaningful precautions to prevent their pets from causing harm to others. 

Other Animal Attacks 

While the statute specifically addresses dog bites, injuries caused by other animals may still qualify for legal action. These cases tend to fall under general negligence laws. In these situations, the injured party typically must show the animal’s owner failed to take reasonable care to prevent the incident and that the injury occurred because of that failure. 

Insurance Coverage 

Dog bites and animal related injuries are commonly covered by homeowners or renters’ insurance. If the animal’s owner has appropriate coverage, it may be possible to file a claim for medical expenses and other related costs. Some insurance policies exclude certain breeds or impose limitations on how much compensation can be paid. If a claim is denied or insufficient, the injured party may consider legal action to address uncovered losses. 

Steps to Take After an Animal Attack 

If you or someone you know is injured by a dog or another domestic animal, taking the following steps can help preserve your legal options. 

1. Seek medical attention.  Prompt care can reduce the risk of infection and document the injury. 

2. Report the incident. Contact animal control or your local police department to create an official record. 

3. Document everything. Take photos of the injury and the location where it occurred. Keep all medical records and correspondence related to the event. 

4. Collect witness information. If anyone saw the incident, their statements may support your case. 

5. Consult an attorney. Legal professionals can help evaluate the situation, communicate with insurers, and recommend next steps. 

Di Renzo & Bomier has a long history of assisting individuals with personal injury matters in Wisconsin. We understand that recovering from an injury can be overwhelming. Legal considerations, insurance communications, medical expenses, and lost wages can add unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. If you have questions about your rights following a dog bite or animal attack, our team is available to provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.  

We’re Here For You.