Your Dog Bite Lawsuit Guide for 2024
Picture this: You’re soaking up the serene vibes along the quaint streets of Kenosha. Out of nowhere, what begins as a chill day takes an unforeseen turn—a dog bite interrupts your tranquil stroll. If a dog’s bite was due to its owner’s oversight, you’re entitled to some compensation. But here’s the snag—it can get a tad tricky navigating those murky waters of personal injury laws. No sweat, though. This guide will decode the legal jargon and offer crystal-clear steps to ensure you know how to secure what you deserve.
Strict Liability
Wisconsin steps away from the “one-bite rule” seen in some states. This rule typically allows a dog one incident without owner liability unless the dog showed prior aggressive behavior. In Wisconsin, strict liability applies. If a dog bites you, the owner is almost always liable—no need to prove they were careless or that the dog had a history of aggression.
Liable Parties in A Dog Bite Incident
In the case of a dog bite in Kenosha, the primary responsible party is usually the dog owner. They are expected to keep their dog under control and prevent harm to others.
“Liability could also fall on a landlord even when they are not the dog owner. Suppose it turns out that a landlord knew an aggressive dog was living on their property and did nothing to ensure safety measures were in place. In that case, they, too, can be held accountable,” says Kenosha Personal injury lawyer Ron Wittmeyer.
When there is no clarity, the best route to determining a liable party is to engage a personal injury lawyer, so consider talking to one.
Recoverable Damages in Wisconsin Dog Bite Claims
Knowing what compensation you might be eligible for after a dog bite in Kenosha can offer some solace. Victims may recover costs for medical treatment and lost wages if the injury kept them from working. These two fall under economic damages. You also have a right to recover from non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, lasting scars, or emotional trauma. There is no one-fits-all value for a personal injury claim because the goal is to have the victim recover losses, and there will be different cases. However, having a Kenosha personal injury lawyer helping you with your claim can make a huge difference in maximizing the outcomes.
Countering Defenses in a Dog Bite Lawsuit
When you file a lawsuit after being bitten, the dog owner might come at you with a handful of defenses. Common ones include accusing the victim of provoking the dog or claiming that the victim was trespassing. These defenses aim to reduce or negate the owner’s liability. Navigating these can be tricky; hence, having an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial. A lawyer will know how to challenge such claims effectively, ensuring your side of the story holds strong in court and increasing your chances for rightful compensation.
Steps After a Dog Bite in Kenosha
If you are bitten by a dog, quick and precise action is key to ensuring your health and maximizing compensation. First, seek medical attention immediately to treat the injury and document it professionally—an essential step for legal proceedings. Next, gather contact information from witnesses and the dog’s owner, alongside any photographic evidence of injuries or the scene. Report the incident to local authorities to have an official record.
This evidence can prove invaluable when pursuing a claim with the guidance of a skilled Kenosha personal injury lawyer.
