Astonishingly in the United States, approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Statistically, this means you have a 1 in 70 chance of being bitten by a dog annually. Dog bites can leave a person suffering from excruciatingly painful injuries that could take months or years of rehabilitation. 

If you or a family member is bitten by a dog, you have the right to sue for a dog bite injury in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. An experienced dog bite attorney can help you initiate a claim and act in your best interest every step of the way. Dog bite injuries are often incredibly traumatizing experiences and can leave you with financial difficulties. An attorney can work with you to gain you the compensation you need to put this horrific event behind you. 

The Common Dog Bite Injuries

It is crucial to understand dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe. In some cases, you could still sue for a dog bite injury if you were injured while trying to flee an animal, even if you were never bitten. Below are a few common injuries that follow a dog attack or bite. 

• Various puncture wounds
• Minor to severe scarring or disfigurement
• Broken bones
• Head and neck injuries from struggling or falling
• Emotional trauma
• Face injuries
• Rabies
• Nerve damage

Who Is Allowed to Sue for a Dog Bite in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

If you or a family member has been attacked by a dog and have suffered injuries, you are likely wondering if you’re eligible for compensation. Below we have listed a few insights into who can sue.

• Should you be the legal guardian of an adult who was injured by a dog bite: If you are a legal guardian of an adult, you are allowed to initiate a lawsuit and seek fair compensation on behalf of the injured person. 
• You were bitten by a dog and are 18 or older. You are legally an adult and are allowed to seek compensation for your injuries. 
• Should you be the legal guardian or parent of a minor who was bitten by a dog and injured: Children who have been injured due to a dog bite require their parents or legal guardians to undertake legal proceedings on their behalf. As a parent or guardian, you expressly have the right to act in the best interest of your child, which is why you can file a lawsuit on their behalf and seek out compensation. 
• You are the designated administrator or executor of the injured person’s estate. If you are the assigned administrator or executor of the estate of the person who has suffered injuries and died due to a dog bite, you are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

How the Wisconsin Statute of Limitations Can Affect Your Dog Bite Injury Claim

The victim can be unable to work, has incurred major medical bills, or requires further funding for treatment which are all time sensitive and the insurers know this. In return, a common tactic for insurance companies to reduce the amounts of settlements paid is to take as much time as legally possible before being forced to pay. This way they can often get the victims to agree to a reduced settlement when time is more important than the overall compensation. 

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you have three years from the date of the dog bite injury to file your claim. 

Notably, if you do not file a legal claim within the three-year timeline, you will be barred from pursuing compensation. You don’t want to place yourself in this position. 

Understanding the legalities surrounding dog bite law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, can be challenging. It should come as a significant relief to learn you likely can sue for a dog bite injury if you fall within the criteria. By keeping in mind the timeframe for which you are permitted to file an injury claim and noting the disreputable tactics insurance companies employ, you will have a better chance of obtaining compensation. Additionally, with the help of a qualified dog bite attorney, you can maximize your settlement.