Dog bites can be a traumatic experience, resulting in physical and emotional distress for victims. When pursuing legal action after a dog bite incident, you may wonder if the breed of the dog that bit you makes a difference to your claim.
In Wisconsin, dog bite laws focus on the owner’s negligence rather than the type of dog that bit you. However, our Green Bay dog bite lawyers at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can factor the dog breed into the severity of your injuries, helping you receive maximum compensation for your damages.
Wisconsin’s Dog Bite Statutes
Wisconsin’s dog bite statutes are clear: they do not single out specific dog breeds as inherently dangerous or liable for dog bite incidents. The law places responsibility on the dog’s owner to control their pet and prevent it from causing harm to others.
Regardless of the breed, if a dog owner fails to exercise reasonable care to prevent their dog from biting or attacking someone, they may be liable for the injuries caused.
This moves the focus to owner responsibility rather than breed-based discrimination. It acknowledges that any dog, regardless of its breed, has the potential to cause serious injuries when it bites and that victims deserve compensation for their injuries.
How Dog Breed May Influence Your Case
While the breed of the dog does not directly impact liability in a dog bite case, it can still be relevant to your lawsuit. For instance, the breed of the dog may influence the severity of your injuries.
Some dog breeds are larger and have stronger bites than others, potentially causing more extensive damage. This characteristic is often based on a dog’s physical size, weight, and jaw power. These animals can cause serious, debilitating injuries like nerve damage, disfigurement, and long-lasting emotional trauma.
If you were attacked by a dog known for its bite strength, it could impact the compensation you are entitled to. Under Wisconsin Statute 174.02(b), the law addresses instances where a dog has a known history of aggressive behavior.
If a dog has previous documented incidents of biting with enough force to break the skin and cause lasting physical scarring or disfigurement, the dog’s owner is liable for double the usual amount of damages.
For example, if you were bitten by a neighbor’s dog known for its strong bite force and can prove the dog had a history of unprovoked attacks, you may be eligible for more compensation. This includes damages for medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, and pain and suffering. The law’s provision for double damages recognizes the increased risk and owner negligence.
How Our Lawyers Can Get You Maximum Compensation
When you choose Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers to represent you in a dog bite lawsuit, our experienced legal team will work hard to get you the highest possible compensation, taking into account all important aspects, such as the dog’s breed.
Here’s how our lawyers can help build a strong case on your behalf:
- Gather evidence: We will collect evidence to support your claim, including photographs of the dog responsible for the attack. These images can help establish the breed and size of the dog, creating a clearer picture of the incident.
- Consult dog experts: Our legal team may consult with dog behavior and bite experts who can provide insights into the strength and potential damage caused by specific breeds. Their expertise demonstrates how the dog’s breed impacted the severity of your injuries.
- Establish owner negligence: Regardless of the breed, we can focus on proving the owner’s negligence in controlling their dog. Negligence could include failing to leash the dog, inadequate training, or ignoring previous aggressive behavior.
- Calculate damages: We can carefully assess the extent of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages to determine the appropriate compensation amount. If the breed of the dog is relevant to the severity of your injuries, we can consider it in the calculations.
Get Legal Guidance for Your Dog Bite Case
In dog bite lawsuits in Wisconsin, the breed of the dog that bit you may not be the central factor in determining liability, but it can still influence the outcome of your case.
Our legal team at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers knows what evidence to look for to prove your dog bite claim. We can assess every element, including the dog breed, to demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries and get you a fair settlement.
Contact us today for a consultation and let our dedicated team of lawyers protect your rights and help you receive the damage award you deserve for your injuries.
