Dog Bite Lawyer in Appleton, WI

Should I Get A Lawyer for a Dog Bite?

Wisconsin's strict liability laws hold dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of negligence. An experienced dog bite lawyer can navigate Wisconsin’s laws, secure fair compensation for medical expenses and damages, communicate with insurance companies and gather crucial evidence.

Hiring a dog bite lawyer will help you deal with the dog owner’s insurance company. Negotiating with insurance companies on your own can be difficult, so hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer is the best way to get maximum compensation for your injuries. In 2024, the average compensation for dog bite cases in Wisconsin was $69,000. 

What Kind Of Lawyer Should I Hire For A Dog Bite?

You should hire a personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases. Specifically, look for:

• A dog bite injury attorney
• A personal injury lawyer with experience in animal attack cases
• A lawyer familiar with Wisconsin's dog bite laws

Wisconsin Dog Bite Laws & Statutes 

Wisconsin's dog bite statute (Wisconsin Statute 174.021) holds dog owners fully responsible for damages caused by their dogs, regardless of negligence or prior incidents. 

• Strict Liability: Owners are liable for injuries to people, pets or property without needing to prove negligence.
• Statute of Limitations: There is a three-year limit for filing personal injury claims, including dog bites.
• No "One-Bite Rule": Owners are liable even for a dog's first bite.
• Double Damages Provision: If an owner knows their dog had previously injured someone, they may face double damages if the second bite causes significant injury.
• Landlords may have limited liability in some cases.
• Owners could face penalties for their dog's actions.

Factors Determining Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Several factors help determine the amount of financial compensation dog bite victims receive, including:

• Injury Severity: Injuries resulting in scarring and disfigurement may be compensated differently
• Area of Injury: Injuries to the face or hands may call for higher compensation
• Medical Expenses: This can include psychological counseling for emotional trauma
• Lost Wages: If a dog bite victim cannot work because of their injuries, they can receive compensation for wages lost

The Legal Process for Dog Bite Injuries in Appleton, WI

Schedule a free consultation with Tusler Law as soon as possible to assess your situation and discuss your options after being injured in a dog attack in Wisconsin. If your case looks promising and you move forward, we will gather additional evidence and build the best possible strategy.

Throughout the process, we provide updates and stay in contact with you for additional information and details related to your case. Should the case go to court, Tusler will prepare you on how to conduct yourself in court and present your case for you. Award-winning attorney Ron W. Tusler has vast experience in personal injury law and knows how to get the results you want.

Top 10 Dogs Most Likely to Bite

While some dogs bite more frequently than others, larger dogs' bites are more concerning due to their severity and the damage they can cause. According to World Animal Foundation, the top 10 dogs most likely to bite are:

• Pit Bulls: Pit bulls are responsible for the highest number of reported bites, approximately 22.5% of all dog bites in the United States. From 2005 to 2019, pit bulls were involved in 346 fatal attacks in the United States, which is over 6.5 times more than the next breed.
• Rottweilers: Rottweilers were responsible for 51 fatal attacks between 2005 and 2019.
• German Shepherds: German Shepherds were involved in 24 fatal attacks between 2005 and 2019. They account for 17.8% of all dog bites in the U.S.
• Bull Mastiffs: Mastiff-type dogs, which include Bull Mastiffs, were involved in 20 fatal attacks between 2005 and2019.
• American Bulldogs: American Bulldogs were responsible for 18 fatal attacks between 2005 and 2019.
• Huskies: Siberian Huskies were responsible for 14 fatal attacks between 1982 and 2013.
• Malamutes: Specific statistics for Malamutes were not provided in the search results, but they are often grouped with Huskies in bite statistics.
• Wolf Hybrids: While specific statistics weren't provided, wolf hybrids are known for their unpredictable nature and potential for aggression.
• Boxers: Boxers were involved in 7 fatal attacks between 1982 and 2013.
• Great Danes: Specific statistics for Great Danes were not provided in the search results, but their large size can make their bites particularly dangerous.

Dog Bite Injuries from Pit Bulls

Pit bull dog bite injuries often involve significant force and can result in deep puncture wounds, crush injuries, and long-term scarring. Victims frequently require surgical treatment or extended recovery. Tusler Law represents clients pursuing compensation for severe pit bull attack injuries in Appleton and throughout Wisconsin.

Rottweiler Bite Injury Claims

Rottweiler attacks commonly produce fractures, nerve damage, and complex soft tissue trauma due to strong bite pressure. Medical treatment may include reconstructive care and rehabilitation. Tusler Law helps victims pursue financial recovery for Rottweiler dog bite injuries and related damages under Wisconsin liability law.

German Shepherd Dog Bite Cases

German Shepherd dog bites often involve lacerations, tearing injuries, and infection risks requiring prompt medical evaluation. Incidents may occur in residential or public settings and can lead to lasting physical or emotional harm. Tusler Law advocates for clients seeking compensation after German Shepherd bite incidents in Appleton and surrounding communities.

Dog Bite Injuries and Fatalities Statistics

We help dog bite victims suffering from all types of injuries, including:

• Brain Injuries and Concussions
• Cuts and Lacerations
• Infections
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Back and Neck Injuries
• Crush Injuries
• Puncture Wounds
• Soft Tissue Damage
• Loss of Limbs
• Catastrophic Injuries

We understand recovering from an injury can be emotionally and physically challenging. If you're facing difficulties and want more information, our lawyers are ready to meet you at the hospital or your home.

Contact us now to schedule a complimentary consultation and explore the options available in your case. We regularly help dog bite victims from Grand Chute, Greenville, Kimberly, Sherwood, Menasha, Appleton, Kaukauna, Neenah and the surrounding areas.