Milwaukee Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Have you or a loved one been bit or attacked by a dog?

The experienced legal team at the law offices of PKSD Accident and Injury Lawyers is prepared to help dog bite victims hold negligent pet owners liable for injuries and damages.

Our firm has over 150 years of combined legal experience protecting the rights of injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and New Mexico. We have recovered millions in compensation on behalf of our clients. Partner Jeff Pitman has been certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 2000.

Contact us today to schedule a Free Case Evaluation with one of our Milwaukee dog bite lawyers to learn more about your legal options. There is no need to make a commitment to hire our lawyers, even after your complimentary consultation, and your information is always kept confidential. There is no risk in discussing your dog bite claim with us. There are no hidden or upfront fees and we only get paid when we obtain a recovery on your behalf. Take a look at some of our client testimonials to find out what our clients have to see about the services we provided.

What Are Wisconsin’s Dog Bite Laws?

Under Wisconsin’s Strict Liability Rule, dog owners are held liable if their dog attacks, injures, or kills another person. Owners are liable for the full amount of damages caused by the attack.

What if the Dog was Considered Dangerous?

If the owner knew the dog previously attacked someone without provocation, and the attack resulted in permanent physical scarring or disfigurement, the owner is required to pay two times the amount of damages. That is if your attack also resulted in permanent physical scarring or disfigurement.

What Happens if I was Trespassing?

Unless the victim was trespassing or he or she provoked, instigated, or taunted the dog, the owner is financially liable for all costs and damages associated with the attack.

In other words, if you did not have a legal right to be on the property at the time of the attack or your actions caused the dog to attack, you are likely ineligible for benefits.

At PKSD, we are dedicated to ensuring justice is served by pursuing the maximum compensation available for our clients so they can move forward with their lives after a serious injury.

Types of Compensation That May Be Available in a Dog Bite Case

Since no two dog bite cases are the same, the amount and types of compensation that may be available depend on the severity of your injuries and how your life has been negatively affected.

There are generally two types of compensation that may be available:

Economic damages – These are the out-of-pocket costs created by your injuries, such as medical bills, prescription medicines and lost wages. Some examples of economic damages may include:

• Past, present and future medical costs related to the attack
• Doctor visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries
• Medical exams (MRI’s, CT Scans, X-Rays)
• Prescribed medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Psychological counseling
• Transportation to and from medical appointments
• Lost wages from missing work

Non-economic damages – These are intangible damages that do not have a definitive value. Examples may include:

• Physical pain and suffering during the attack and while receiving treatment
• Emotional anguish
• Physical scarring or disfigurement
• Mental Trauma
• Physical impairment
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?

The Wisconsin statute of limitations for personal injury is generally three years from the date the injury was sustained. If you try to file a claim after the three-year period, it will most likely be barred by the court and you will be disqualified from obtaining compensation. The statute of limitations for your claim is likely to be three years, but there are exceptions, which is why it is important to talk to an experienced Milwaukee dog bite lawyer about your potential claim.

What to Do After Experiencing a Dog Attack?

If you or someone you know was attacked by a dog, there are some important steps you should take for your own health and safety and to try to maintain your eligibility to pursue compensation:

• Get to a safe place – If you just experienced a dog attack, make sure you get to a safe place to avoid a second attack.
• Seek medical treatment – Be sure to get examined by a health care professional as soon as possible. Sometimes dog bites can cause serious infections.
• Take pictures – If you are safe and you have your smartphone, try to take pictures of the dog, your injuries, any ripped clothing and the surrounding area where the attack took place. You should also continue taking pictures of your injury as it heals or if it worsens. This could be valuable evidence to help validate your claim.
• Record information about the dog and its owner – Write down identifying information about the dog, such as signs of neglect (being dirty or having scars or tick marks). If you know who the owner is, ask for his or her name, address, phone number and when was the last time the dog was vaccinated.
• Gather witness information – If there are witnesses in the area, it is important to collect their contact information as this could help strengthen your argument for compensation.
• Report the attack – It is important to report the attack to the Department of Neighborhood Services by calling (414) 286-2268. If it is after business hours you should call the Milwaukee Police Department at (414) 933-4444 and be sure to obtain a copy of the report. This could be used as evidence for your claim and may help prevent the dog from attacking again. Be prepared to provide details about your injuries and how the attack happened.

Dog Breeds Often Linked to Attacks

While any dog could potentially attack a person, some dogs may be more likely to do so. Some breeds are known to be more aggressive, even if they have been well taken care of, including:

• Pit bull
• Rottweiler
• St. Bernard
• Great Dane
• German Shepherd
• Doberman Pinscher
• Boxer
• Bull mastiff
• Alaskan Malamute
• Akita

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries are often serious, and may cause permanent, debilitating damage. In fact, many dog bite victims need surgery or hospitalization. Victims may also need psychological counseling. These injuries are often expensive to treat. Examples of serious injuries and side effects from dog bites may include:

• Disfigurement
• Lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Torn ligaments
• Emotional trauma
• Rabies
• Deep scarring
• Infection
• Fractured bones
• Bruising

Contact our Milwaukee Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or your loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At PKSD, we have handled many personal injury cases and recovered tens of millions in compensation on behalf of our clients. We are prepared to manage every step of the legal process on your behalf. We also have access to medical experts and investigators to help us build a strong case and calculate the value of your damages.

If you have questions about your claim, contact our office today to set up your free consultation with a Milwaukee dog bite attorney. 414-333-3333. Our Milwaukee office is located at 1110 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr #320, which is less than a mile away from the Aurora Sinai Medical Center.

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

J.H.

PKSD was great to work with after I had been in a car accident. They were incredibly thorough, patient, and understanding through the whole process! Sam Killian handled my case and kept me up to date every step of the way. He worked to negotiate my final settlement and was transparent about timelines and total amounts. Great, clear communication! Definitely would recommend! They make it a breeze.

C.B.

Excellent service! They handled my case with care and importance. They kept me updated every step of the way. They fought for me to get a higher payout and succeeded! I am grateful for their help!

C.D.

I have use PKSD 3 times. They took very good care of me. They walked me through the process and answered all my questions. I recomend them to everybody I know.

S.B

Outstanding Legal Representation – Highly Recommend! I had an incredible experience working with PKSD. They fought hard for me and made sure I got the money I truly deserved. From start to finish, they were professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about my case. Their expertise and dedication made the process smooth and stress-free. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal help. Thank you for everything!

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