Dog bites can happen suddenly and without warning, and when they do, the consequences can be severe. Regardless of a dog’s breed or past behavior, any dog has the potential to bite, and victims are often left facing painful injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical expenses.
At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming it can be to recover from a dog bite, especially when the attack was unprovoked. You may be dealing with physical pain, missed time at work, and long-term scarring or psychological effects. You shouldn’t have to carry that burden alone.
Our personal injury team is here to help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation.
According to the American Kennel Club, a dog’s weight can range from just 4–8 pounds in the smallest breeds to 150–200 pounds in the largest. Their bite strength can also vary significantly from breed to breed. Still, every dog has sharp teeth and a strong jaw capable of causing serious injury to people and other animals when they bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 1 in 5 dog bites requires medical attention.
Common complications associated with dog bites include:
After a dog bite in Green Bay, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and strengthen any future claim. Start by documenting the scene by taking photos and videos of:
Next, try to gather the dog owner’s details, including their contact information and the dog’s vaccination history. If this information isn’t readily available, ask for the name of the veterinarian who treats the dog. You can also search for this information by contacting local veterinary clinics in Green Bay, which include:
You should also collect witness information, names, and phone numbers of anyone who saw the attack, who can support your account if it is disputed.
Then, report the incident to local authorities. Filing with Green Bay Animal Control or the Green Bay Police Department creates an official record and helps ensure the dog is monitored for public safety. Even a small bite can cause infections or transmit diseases like tetanus or rabies.
In Green Bay, you can receive care at local urgent care centers, emergency rooms, or public health clinics equipped to treat bite wounds and assess the risk of infection or disease transmission. Prompt medical attention is important for proper wound care and to determine if rabies post-exposure treatment is needed. You can receive care at:
Finally, contact an attorney once you have sought medical care and filed a report. An experienced lawyer can calculate your damages covering medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, and fight for fair compensation. Acting quickly not only protects your case but also helps keep the Green Bay community safe from future incidents.
Wisconsin has a strict liability statute for dog bites. This means dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if they weren’t negligent at the time of the attack. In other words, even owners who keep their dogs leashed or enclosed can still be held liable if the dog bites someone.
If the owner knew that the dog had previously bitten or injured someone, even if the dog belonged to someone else at that time, the law requires them to pay double the standard damages.
At the same time, Wisconsin’s comparative negligence rule also applies. This means that if the victim shares some responsibility for the bite, such as by provoking the dog, their compensation may be reduced accordingly.
Compensation for dog bites can vary from case to case. At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, our team will:
After we’ve made our calculations, we will:
We don’t settle for less. If they don’t agree to pay what our clients deserve, we won’t hesitate to go to court.
However, it’s important to note:
In addition to being required to pay injured victims’ damages, dog owners may also be fined up to $1,000 if their pets attack, bite, or injure others. If it’s the second bite on record for a dog, the owner’s fine may be double, or up to $5,000 depending on the extent of the injuries incurred. Dog owners may also be fined up $100 if their dogs are found roaming freely and up to $200 on the second offense.
Unfortunately, some dogs are kept in environments that make them prone to lashing out and acting aggressively. When that happens, dogs may bite people multiple times throughout their lives, or they may engage in serious attacks that severely wound or even kill innocent victims.
When dogs meet the following criteria, they may be subject to court-ordered euthanasia:
We understand the reluctance many people have after dog bite injuries, especially if the dog owner is a friend, neighbor, family member, coworker, or even just someone you don’t want to inconvenience. However, you’ve suffered as a result of the bite, and you deserve compensation. Our Green Bay dog bite lawyers are here to help you get the money you need to get your life and happiness back to how it was prior to the attack, while treating your claim with respect and sensitivity. To schedule your free consultation, contact us today.
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