Dog Bite

Dog Bite Attorney

Lots of Dogs = Lots of Dog Bites

Dogs can be wonderful companions in the home, helpers on the farm, and workers in a variety of environments from airports to hospitals. They can also be dangerous. A 45-second attack by a leashed dog can result in months of rehabilitation or even reconstructive surgery. There are about 90 million dogs in the United States, and each year, an American has a one in 50 chance of being bitten by a dog. If you have suffered a dog bite injury, you should contact a dog bite injury attorney at Clifford & Raihala.

Dog Bites Can Injure, Maim, and Kill

A dog attack can be traumatizing, and it doesn’t take long for an attacking dog to inflict serious injury. Every year, about 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States. One in five of those bites becomes infected. So even if the dog bite itself doesn’t cause significant damage, the subsequent infection can do so. Severe dog attacks can result in maiming and even death. In 2015, over 28,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by a dog; and 433 Americans were killed from dog attacks between 2005 and 2017. A dog bite that breaks the skin requires attention. It may require a dog bite injury attorney as well.

Dog Bites Can Be Expensive

The cost of dog bites can be substantial. In 2017, homeowners’ insurance policies paid out almost $700 million due to dog bites and other dog-related injuries. That’s over 1/3 of all homeowner liability claims! Don’t be surprised to discover that you need a pet lawyer because of a dog bite. Hospitalizations resulting from dog bites are costly, too. In 2008, the average cost of a dog-bite related hospitalization was $18,200, approximately 50% more than the average injury-related stay. That was in 2008; image how much it would be today.

Dog Bites and Wisconsin Law

Under Wisconsin law, dog owners are liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog. And an “owner” is anyone who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog. In addition, there are penalties imposed on owners of dogs causing damage specified under Wisconsin Statute 174.02. Owners whose dogs had previously bitten are liable to twice the amount of damage caused and subject to a larger penalty. These remedies do not preclude further court awards. When you or someone you love has sustained a dog bite injury, contact the dog bite attorneys at Clifford & Raihala.

Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Can Help

Dog bite attorneys can help you to evaluate the full consequences of your experience and get the justice you deserve. Dog attacks cause psychological damage as well as physical damage. If you need to undergo months of physical therapy or psychological counseling, you should not bear those costs. A dog bite lawyer will investigate the incident, assess the full ramifications to you, and pursue remuneration for medical expenses, lost work time, and other damages. In dog bite situations, it is crucial to have dog bite injury lawyer.

Clifford & Raihala: Dog Bite Attorneys

Clifford & Raihala have attorneys who are expert in working with dog bite injury cases. Our pet lawyers know the questions to ask to uncover the full implications of the incident under pet law. We understand the Wisconsin law specific to dog bite injury, and we know the possibilities available under the law for further penalties and damages. When you or someone you love has been bitten by a pet or suffered a dog attack, call the experts at Clifford & Raihala.