Dog Bite Liability In Wisconsin – September 5, 2013
The Appleton personal injury lawyers with Sigman, Janssen, Sewall, Pitz & Burkham explain that when a dog bites a person in Wisconsin, the law allows the owner of the animal to be held liable for any damages incurred by the victim. A recent case now extends liability to dog owners who do not reside on the same property where their animals are being kept.
According to a release from the State Bar of Wisconsin, a man purchased a home just outside of Appleton and let his daughter and her family move into the residence with several dogs. While visiting the home, a family friend became the victim of an attack by the dogs and was seriously injured.
The victim later sued the owners of the dogs and the owner of the home, claiming their negligence was responsible for her injuries. The owner of the home argued he could not be held liable for the dog’s actions because he had no control over the animals.
The court disagreed and issued a ruling finding him liable on the grounds that, as a homeowner, he had control over whether or not the dogs should be allowed on the property.
Dog bite liability can be an extremely difficult and complex argument to prove. That’s why the Appleton dog bite lawyers at Sigman, Janssen, Sewall, Pitz & Burkham suggest anyone who is seriously injured by a canine bite discuss their legal rights with an attorney.