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Dog attacks happen without warning, and the injuries they leave behind are more serious than people expect. Puncture wounds, nerve damage, infection, and lasting psychological trauma are all possible outcomes from a single incident.
At PKSD, our Wausau dog bite lawyers represent people throughout the Wausau area who have been hurt by someone else’s dog, and we are prepared to review your case from the moment you contact us. Understanding what Wisconsin law entitles you to recover is the first step, and our team can walk you through it.
Dog bite injuries come with real costs: emergency care, follow-up treatment, missed work, and in serious cases, long-term rehabilitation. Navigating an injury claim while recovering from a traumatic event is not something anyone should face alone. Working with a Wausau dog bite lawyer means having an attorney who understands Wisconsin law, knows the local claims process, and works to ensure you make informed decisions at every stage.
Wisconsin holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their animals cause. Under Wisconsin Statute § 174.02, an owner is liable for the full amount of damages when their dog injures a person, regardless of whether the owner had any prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies. That baseline protection is meaningful, but the law goes further in cases involving repeat offenders.
When an owner knew or had been notified that their dog previously bit someone with enough force to break the skin and cause permanent scarring or disfigurement, that same statute permits recovery of two times the full amount of damages on a subsequent bite.
This double-damages provision exists because Wisconsin law treats prior notice as a turning point in owner responsibility. Understanding how this provision applies to a specific situation is one reason early legal consultation can make a difference in a claim’s outcome.
Dog bites range in severity, but even minor attacks deserve medical attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, germs can spread from bites and scratches even when a wound does not look deep or serious. Deep wounds require immediate pressure and emergency care to address bleeding and reduce the risk of complications.
Beyond infection, dog attacks can cause:
Any of these injuries can affect a person’s ability to work, care for their family, and move through daily life without pain or fear. The full impact of a dog attack often extends beyond the initial wound.
The hours and days following a dog attack are critical for health and legal purposes. Acting promptly can protect both.
The steps taken in the aftermath of an attack build the foundation of a viable claim. Gaps in documentation are difficult to recover later, so thorough recordkeeping from the start matters.
In most dog bite cases, liability falls on the dog’s owner; however, other parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. A property owner who knowingly allows a dangerous dog on their premises may be liable if they are aware of the risk posed to others. In limited circumstances, a landlord may also be liable if they knew a dangerous dog was on the property and failed to take reasonable action. An attorney at PKSD can evaluate all potential sources of liability and help build the case.
Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence framework, meaning that if the injured person is found partially at fault, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. Recovery remains available as long as the injured party’s share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. Identifying all potentially liable parties and anticipating fault arguments from the insurance companies are areas where a Wausau dog bite lawyer provides especially valuable support.
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Wisconsin dog bite victims may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages; the specific losses in a claim depend on the severity of the injuries, the long-term effects, and the circumstances of the attack.
When the double-damages provision applies, the total recovery can exceed baseline compensation by a significant amount.
A dog attack can reshape daily life in ways that are not always visible from the outside, and the legal process that follows should not add to that burden. Our team at PKSD can help dog injury victims understand their options and pursue the compensation they deserve under the law. Contact a Wausau dog bite lawyer today at (414) 333-3333 for a consultation.
Mr. Pitman is a member of the Nursing Home Litigation Group of the American Association for Justice. Mr. Pitman was President of the Wisconsin Association for Justice in 2013 and is a current member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). He lectures extensively on nursing home abuse and neglect and has authored numerous articles in the area of personal injury litigation.
Client Reviews
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.
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!
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.
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!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Jeffery A. Pitman, who has more than 28 years of legal experience and handled thousands of personal injury cases while obtaining millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in Wisconsin.
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PKSD is a Milwaukee personal injury law firm dedicated to helping injured individuals. We take a hands-on, client-focused approach and work closely with the people we represent from start to finish. We are committed to providing responsive service and strong legal advocacy when it matters most.
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PKSD proudly serves clients throughout the state of Wisconsin. We represent individuals and families in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Eau Claire, Wausau, and surrounding areas. No matter where you are located, our team is ready to help.
