Animal bites aren’t just painful—they can change your life. In Wisconsin, dog attacks send thousands to the ER each year, with children often suffering the most serious injuries.
From deep lacerations to permanent scarring and emotional trauma, the impact of a bite can be devastating.
At Third Coast Lawyers, we understand what victims go through—and we’re here to hold negligent pet owners accountable.
Whether you were bitten in Madison, Milwaukee, or anywhere in Southern Wisconsin, our legal team helps you pursue full compensation under state law.
Wisconsin experiences thousands of dog bites annually, with children under the age of 10 facing the highest risk of injury.
These young victims often suffer facial injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term complications requiring surgeries or therapy.
Bite incidents spike during the spring and summer, especially in urban areas such as Milwaukee and Madison. Suburban and rural counties also report high bite rates,
The financial impact of animal bites in Wisconsin includes ER visits, reconstructive surgeries, lost wages, and psychological care, costing victims and insurers millions annually.
Does your situation qualify? We’ll help you determine who’s liable and what your case is worth. Schedule your free case review now.
Wisconsin imposes strict liability on dog owners. If their dog bites someone, even for the first time, they are legally responsible, regardless of past behavior or warning signs.
Dog bite victims may recover damages if attacked in public or while lawfully on private property. This includes parks, sidewalks, homes, and businesses.
Liability may be reduced or denied if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime. But each situation depends on legal interpretation and evidence.
A dog bite isn’t just a moment of pain—it’s often the beginning of a long, costly recovery. Under Wisconsin law, victims have the right to seek full compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by an attack.
This includes reimbursement for emergency medical treatment, surgeries, medications, therapy, and any long-term care that may be necessary.
Victims may also recover lost wages from time missed at work, diminished earning capacity due to disability, and out-of-pocket expenses tied to recovery.
For many, the emotional impact, particularly in cases involving children, can be just as severe as the physical injuries.
Wisconsin courts recognize the serious toll of psychological trauma, disfigurement, and permanent scarring, and compensation for these non-economic damages can be substantial.
Our team works closely with medical providers, therapists, and financial professionals to calculate a complete and persuasive damages claim.
Like all personal injury cases in Wisconsin, dog bite claims are subject to a legal deadline. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.
However, there are important exceptions that apply, especially for children. If the victim was under 18 at the time of the attack, the clock doesn’t start ticking until they turn 18, giving them until their 20th birthday to take legal action.
This extended window allows families to focus on their child’s recovery while preserving their legal rights. Still, it’s always best to start early, while the evidence and witness accounts are still fresh.
Bitten by a dog in a public place or someone’s home? You may have a case under Wisconsin law. Speak with a dog bite attorney today to understand your rights.
Not all animal attacks happen the same way, and where and how the bite occurred can significantly affect your legal rights.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common situations we see across Wisconsin, from backyard incidents to workplace injuries.
Many Wisconsin dog bite cases happen at or near the owner’s home—often when a dog escapes a yard, is left off-leash, or attacks a visitor. Even friendly dogs can snap under stress or without provocation, and homeowners may still be liable.
These attacks are prevalent in neighborhoods where fencing is inadequate or owners fail to properly secure their pets.
Victims bitten while lawfully visiting someone’s home, such as friends, neighbors, delivery workers, or contractors, are typically covered under homeowner’s liability policies.
When bites occur in parks, on sidewalks, or inside businesses, questions about leash laws and local ordinances arise. These cases often reveal serious lapses in basic animal control responsibilities.
It’s not just people who suffer from aggressive dogs. When your pet, livestock, or service animal is injured, Wisconsin law may entitle you to financial recovery, especially in cases involving repeat offenders or ignored warnings.
If you were bitten while doing your job—delivering packages, servicing a home, or reading a meter—you may have more than just a workers’ comp case. Our team investigates third-party liability to secure maximum compensation.
Dog bites involving children can be physically and emotionally devastating. These young victims often need long-term care, counseling, and legal protection to ensure their future is safeguarded from the lasting impact of trauma.
The aftermath of a bite goes far beyond the initial wound. From hidden infections to emotional scars, understanding the full scope of harm is critical when building a strong injury claim.
Proper treatment begins the moment a bite occurs. Victims should wash the wound thoroughly and seek emergency care, especially if the skin is broken or bleeding heavily.
Animal bites can introduce dangerous bacteria, and infections such as cellulitis, sepsis, and MRSA are significant risks.
In more serious cases, rabies post-exposure treatment may be required, particularly if the animal’s vaccination history is unknown.
The physical damage left by a dog bite often requires plastic surgery or skin grafts, especially when facial injuries are involved. We make sure the lasting effects are fully documented and compensated.
When nerves or muscles are damaged, victims may be left with mobility issues or permanent impairment. These invisible injuries deserve full attention in any legal recovery effort.
For many, the psychological effects of a bite last longer than the physical ones. If you—or your child—are dealing with anxiety, fear, or trauma after an attack, those emotional injuries are real and compensable.
Your recovery might take months or even years. We coordinate with doctors and mental health providers to document your medical needs, ensuring that no details are overlooked during the legal process.
From infection to PTSD, bite injuries can change your life. Let us help you recover everything you’re owed—physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact now.
Dog bite claims demand more than basic legal help—they require a team that understands the unique medical, emotional, and insurance challenges these cases bring.
At Third Coast Lawyers, we combine legal precision with compassionate client service to secure justice for victims across the state.
Our firm understands the legal, emotional, and medical issues involved in dog bite litigation. We’ve helped countless families recover full compensation.
We work with plastic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and child psychologists to build the strongest case possible.
We analyze every clause of every insurance policy to identify coverage, challenge exclusions, and negotiate top-tier settlements.
From start to finish, we handle every detail—so you can focus on healing. You’ll never be treated like just another file on a desk.
Whether you were bitten in Madison, Milwaukee, or a rural town, our attorneys are ready to help. Call for your free consultation today.
Every moment you wait could affect your claim. Call now for a free consultation with a Wisconsin dog bite attorney near you.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Wisconsin?
Clean the wound, seek medical care, report the incident to local animal control, and document everything—photos, medical bills, and witness info. Then, speak with a personal injury lawyer familiar with Wisconsin’s dog bite laws.
Can I still sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Wisconsin’s statute (174.02) enforces strict liability, meaning the dog owner is liable even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
Who pays for my damages after a dog attack?
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers damages like medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
What if I was bitten while working—do I still have a claim?
Yes. You may be eligible for both workers’ comp and a third-party claim if the dog’s owner isn’t your employer.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Wisconsin?
You generally have three years from the date of the bite. However, minors have until their 20th birthday to file.
What damages can I recover in a Wisconsin dog bite case?
You may claim compensation for ER bills, surgeries, scarring, lost income, pain and suffering, and psychological trauma—especially in cases involving children.
Can I sue if another dog attacked my pet?
Yes. Wisconsin law allows animal owners to seek reimbursement for veterinary bills and, in some cases, for the emotional loss of a pet or working animal.
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