Have you been bitten or attacked by a dog? At Sigman, Janssen, Sewall, Pitz & Burkham, we understand the trauma that dog bite victims can face following an attack, and have a comprehensive knowledge of Wisconsin’s dog bite laws. Our legal team has a proven track record of obtaining substantial compensation for our clients, including recoveries by attorney James Pitz, ranging between $2,500-$400,000.
Our experienced Oshkosh dog bite lawyers welcome you to contact our firm and allow us to review the details of your incident.
Free consultation. Ph: (877) 888-5201.
State Law on Dog Bites and Attacks
Wisconsin law may allow you to recover financial compensation for injuries caused by a dog bite/attack. According to Wisconsin Statutes 174.02(1)(a), owners of dogs who attack people and injure them are liable for damages suffered by the victim. There is no requirement to prove the owner was negligent and this negligence caused your injuries.
Owners may be held liable even if they did not know the dog had a history of aggressiveness. This is different from other states where owners may simply get a warning after a dog bites someone else.
If it can be proven the owner knew the dog had previously caused injuries by attacking someone, he or she may be liable for twice the amount of damages. To qualify for double damages, a previous known bite or injury must have been severe enough.
Deadline for Filing a Claim After a Dog Bite
You may be eligible for insurance compensation after a dog bite injury. However, it is better to contact one of our Oshkosh dog bite lawyers before contacting the insurance company. If you have a valid claim and decide to pursue it, we can contact the insurance company and manage the claims process on your behalf.
In other instances, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits, including those involving dog bites, are regulated by Wisconsin’s personal injury statute of limitations. This law sets a deadline of three years for most dog bite lawsuits.
However, there can be exceptions to this three-year deadline that allow you to file a lawsuit after the three years pass or require you to file earlier than three years. If your loved one is a minor, the statute of limitations will be extended to his or her 20th birthday.
As each case is different, we encourage you to contact an Oshkosh dog bite attorney from our firm, and let us help to determine if you have a case. We have decades of combined experience managing personal injury cases and a track record of success.
Pursuing Compensation After a Dog Bite
Dogs can cause serious injuries when they bite people, from lacerations and pulled tendons to head injuries and life-threatening infections like rabies. You can quickly rack up huge medical bills to treat your injuries.
The attorneys at Sigman, Janssen, Sewall, Pitz & Burkham may be able to help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses. This includes future bills and bills you may have already received. This could include bills for surgery, stays in the hospital and appointments with doctors.
You may also be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as lost wages, property damage and loss of earning capacity.
Our Oshkosh dog bite attorneys may also be able to pursue compensation for the emotional damages you suffered. This could include:
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Lost companionship
Each case is unique, and our attorneys can discuss damages you may be eligible to pursue in a free legal consultation.
Call today. Phone: (877) 888-5201
How Can I Strengthen the Value of My Claim?
After a dog attack, there are certain steps you can take for your own safety and to help protect your compensation claim, such as:
Go to the Hospital
Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services website says to wash bites thoroughly with soap and water. Victims should also seek medical treatment from a doctor immediately. You may need antibiotics to prevent an infection. Even if you do not see signs of an infection (redness, pus or swelling) it is better not to take any chances. The dog that bit you may not have had its rabies shot. The doctor can also treat your other injuries.
Make sure to tell the doctor how you were injured so it will be documented in your medical records. These records help to build a connection between your injuries and the dog attack. Inform him or her about your existing health conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease, as they can compromise your immune system and make infections worse.
Take Pictures at the Scene
If you are able, or you are with someone else who is able, take pictures of any visible injuries you sustained and the dog that attacked you. If there is any property damage that occurred during the attack, such as damage to grass or a fence or sidewalk, photograph it. It is also a good idea to photograph damage to your clothes, such as tears, holes or blood stains.
Report the Attack
You should report the attack to the Oshkosh Police Department or Oshkosh Area Humane Society to create an official record of the situation. The authorities can try to prevent other people from being bitten by the same dog.
Take Notes on the Dog and its Owner
Write down the breed, size and color of the dog that bit you and any possible signs the dog has been neglected by its owner. If the owner is there, ask for more information about the dog, including whether it is updated on its rabies vaccination. You should also write down the owner’s insurance information, address and phone number.
Talk to Witnesses
Talk to any witnesses and take notes on what they remember. If they give you permission, record your conversation on your cellphone. Ask them how to get in touch with them in the future so you can ask more questions.
Seek Legal Help
If we take your case, our dog bite attorneys can perform a thorough investigation of the attack to gather evidence and build a robust case on your behalf. You can contact us to discuss what happened during a free case review.
Contact Our Oshkosh Dog Bite Lawyers Today
The attorneys at Sigman Janssen welcome the opportunity to discuss the legal options that may be available after your dog bite injury. For nearly 100 years, we have been representing injury victims in Wisconsin, and we are prepared to help you.
Our initial legal consultation is completely free of charge and confidential. There are no upfront attorney fees or costs. We are not paid anything unless we are successful in winning a settlement or court victory on your behalf.
Free consultation. Ph: (877) 888-5201.