Dog bites are surprisingly common in neighborhoods throughout West Allis, Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Waukesha, and Brookfield. Even friendly dogs can cause serious harm when they bite, knock someone down, or lunge unexpectedly. Puncture wounds, scarring, nerve damage, and infections are just some of the injuries people suffer — and children are often the ones most severely hurt.

 

If you or your child has been attacked, it’s natural to wonder when the dog’s owner can be held legally responsible. Under the Wisconsin dog bite statute, owners can be on the hook for significant damages, and in some situations, they may even owe double damages. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer Wisconsin can help you understand your rights, your options, and how to move forward.

Wisconsin’s Dog Bite Law: Basic Owner Responsibility

Wisconsin is known as a strict liability state for dog bites and other injuries caused by dogs. In simple terms, that means:

• A dog’s owner is generally responsible when their dog injures someone,

• Even if the dog has never bitten before, and

• Even if the owner claims they “had no idea” the dog would hurt anyone.

This is very different from states that use a “one bite rule,” where an owner might get a free pass for the first incident. Under the Wisconsin dog bite statute, an injured person in West Allis or anywhere in the state often has a strong claim against the owner — even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.

When Double Damages May Apply

In some situations, Wisconsin law goes even further and allows double damages against the dog’s owner. This can happen when:

• The dog has previously injured another person, and

• The owner knew or should have known about that prior incident.

In other words, if a dog in West Allis has already bitten or seriously injured someone, and the owner doesn’t take appropriate steps to prevent another attack, that owner may be responsible for twice the total damages the second time around.

This is important if you were injured by a dog with a known history of aggression, or if neighbors, delivery drivers, or others previously complained about the dog’s behavior.

What Counts as an “Injury Caused by a Dog”?

Dog bite cases aren’t limited to obvious puncture wounds. Under Wisconsin law, an owner can be responsible for a wide range of injuries caused by the dog’s behavior, including:

• A person being knocked down and breaking a bone

• A child being dragged or scratched, leaving scars

• A bicyclist or pedestrian falling while trying to avoid an attacking dog

• Dogs can cause car accidents by running into the street

• Infection, nerve damage, or permanent scarring after a bite

A serious attack may also cause significant emotional trauma, especially in children who become fearful of dogs or develop nightmares and anxiety after the incident. A West Allis dog attack attorney can help you pursue compensation not only for physical injuries, but also for the emotional harm and disruption to your life.

Are There Defenses the Dog Owner Can Raise?

While Wisconsin law is favorable to dog bite victims, there are still certain defenses an owner might try to use, such as:

• Claiming the injured person was trespassing

• Arguing that the victim provoked the dog

• Disputing how the incident happened or whether their dog was involved

These arguments can affect how much compensation is available or whether double damages apply. An experienced dog bite lawyer Wisconsin can investigate the facts, speak with witnesses, and gather evidence to push back against weak or unfair defenses.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in West Allis or Milwaukee

If you or your child is bitten or attacked by a dog, taking the right steps early on can protect both your health and your legal rights:

1. Get immediate medical attention
   Dog bites can lead to serious infections, especially when the skin is punctured or torn. Always get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.

2. Report the incident
   Contact local authorities or animal control to document the dog attack. This helps identify the owner and creates an official record, which is important for any claim.

3. Gather information
   If you can do so safely, collect:

   • The dog owner’s name, address, and phone number

   • The address where the attack occurred

   • Names and contact information for any witnesses

4. Take photos
   Photographs of the injuries, the location, and (if possible) the dog itself can be powerful evidence later.

5. Avoid giving detailed statements to the owner’s insurance company
   The insurance adjuster’s job is to save money for the company, not to fully compensate you. Before giving a recorded statement or signing anything, it’s wise to speak with a West Allis dog attack attorney.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Dog Bite?

Every case is unique, but depending on the circumstances, a dog bite victim may be able to seek compensation for:

• Emergency room and hospital bills

• Follow-up care, physical therapy, and scar revision treatments

• Future medical needs

• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress, trauma, and anxiety

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

If the Wisconsin dog bite statute allows for double damages in your case, those amounts can be multiplied, significantly increasing the value of your claim. An attorney can review your injuries, medical records, and the impact on your daily life to make sure your claim reflects the full extent of your losses.

Why You Should Talk With a Dog Bite Lawyer in Wisconsin

Dog bite cases might sound simple, but they can quickly become complicated when:

• The owner denies what happened or blames you

• The insurance company minimizes your injuries

• There’s a question about prior incidents with the same dog

• Serious scarring or long-term emotional harm is involved

Erdmann Law Offices, S.C., is based in West Allis and represents injured people in Milwaukee, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Waukesha, Brookfield, and surrounding communities. A dedicated dog bite lawyer Wisconsin can:

• Explain how the Wisconsin dog bite statute applies to your situation

• Investigate the dog’s history and prior complaints or attacks

• Gather medical records, photos, and witness statements

• Deal with the dog owner and their insurance company on your behalf

• Pursue full and fair compensation, including potential double damages when the law allows

Bitten or Attacked by a Dog in West Allis? Contact Us Today

Dog bites can be painful, frightening, and life-changing — especially when children are involved. You don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in West Allis, Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Waukesha, Brookfield, or nearby areas, contact Erdmann Law Offices to speak with an experienced West Allis dog attack attorney.

 

We offer a free consultation and are available seven days a week. We can meet at your home, in the hospital, or wherever is most convenient while you recover.

 

Call (414) 774-1111 to speak with a dog bite lawyer Wisconsin who understands the Wisconsin dog bite statute, knows how to deal with insurance companies, and is ready to protect your rights and your future.