Wisconsin dog owners must take all precautionary measures to prevent attacks and bites. Unfortunately, a significant number of dog bite cases are reported in the state each year. While many victims don’t realize the potential to seek compensation, others are often aware of the steps they can take. Firstly, take time to understand dog bite laws wisconsin. The state imposes strict liability on dog owners, and for repeat incidents and attacks, they must pay double damages. Here are some steps you should take after suffering a dog bite.
- ● Get medical attention immediately: Besides the pain and shock, dog bites can lead to serious infections without treatment. Do not ignore bleeding and see a doctor as soon as possible. Deeper wounds can lead to permanent scarring, too. Also, when you have records concerning your treatment, you can prove damages when filing an injury claim.
- ● Find the dog owner: Ask around and find the contact details of the dog owner. You need those details to know if they have insurance, which can help cover your damages. Take pictures of the dog, along with the dog tag, and if you find other details that may come in handy to build your claim, get everything on your phone.
- ● Check if there were witnesses: Witnesses have a considerable role to play in dog bite lawsuits. If other people were present when the animal attacked you, you can get testimonies from them and file your claim accordingly. Get their contact details and names.
- ● Report the incident: You should report the dog bite to local law enforcement. If yours is a serious injury, call 911 from the scene. You should also contact animal control agencies and let them know of the incident, as the officials can launch an investigation.
- ● Meet an attorney: Find a personal injury lawyer in Wisconsin who specializes in dog bite lawsuits. Your attorney can help you recover a fair settlement and will handle the entire process. They will also negotiate with the insurance company, and if the compensation is not enough, they will file a lawsuit in court. Throughout the process, they will be your advocate and will only ask for their fee after you recover money.
Now that you know the relevance of an attorney, let’s learn more about selecting a reliable lawyer.
How to find an injury lawyer in Wisconsin for dog bite claims?
Here are five steps to follow when looking for injury lawyers –
- Firstly, ensure the lawyer is based in your city in Wisconsin and specializes in dog bite claims. If they have represented clients with similar cases in the past, you might want to enquire about the outcomes and settlements.
- Make sure you feel comfortable around the attorney. Their attitude and work ethics matter for your lawsuit. Never work with someone who wants you to overstate your injuries or lie to get a higher settlement. A lawyer who is willing to try unfair practices isn’t your ideal choice.
- Consider the trial experience of the attorney. As pointed out, insurance offers may not cover losses in many situations. If your case has merit, your lawyer should be able to file a civil lawsuit and represent you during the trial.
- Know your options in detail. The first meeting with an attorney is critical. You need to ask questions and understand the legal aspects. A competent attorney will not only answer every query but will give you a complete overview of the possible outcome.
- Discussing the fee of your lawyer is the last step. Dog bite lawyers ask for a contingency fee, which is due when you recover a settlement or win the lawsuit. The range varies from 25% to 50%, and it is always better to ask for a detailed engagement letter.
Dog bites are not just painful but can trigger trauma. Don’t let someone else get away with their pet’s behavior and aggression. As someone who has endured the suffering and had to deal with medical bills, you deserve to get a fair settlement that covers all losses. Talk to an attorney soon, as you will need to find evidence. Also, there is a deadline of three years for filing such lawsuits in Wisconsin, and if you miss the time cap, your case is likely to be denied.
