What Should I Do After a Dog Bite Injury in Waukesha County?
Even though dogs are domesticated, they can still act aggressively in certain situations or around certain individuals, leading them to bite. In most cases, dogs bite because they are feeling threatened, scared, or stressed, or because they are simply trying to defend their territory or play without realizing how rough they are being.
When someone is injured by a dog bite, dog owners in Wisconsin are liable, regardless of whether they knew their dog was dangerous or not. If a dog previously injured someone, and the owner was aware, the owner may be required to pay double the amount of damages
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If you were hurt by a dog, you are not required to prove the negligence of the dog owner to recover compensation for your damages. After a dog bites you, there are certain steps you should take to protect your health, safety, and rights. These steps include:
- Apply direct pressure to the bite with a clean washcloth in order to stop any bleeding.
- Rinse the wound with warm water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and put a bandage on top of it.
- If your wound develops into an infection or your bleeding does not stop, seek emergency medical attention.
- As soon as you have treated the wound, take the time to document the details of the dog bite. Write down where it occurred, what time you were bitten, what the dog looked like, and how they behaved.
- Obtain the contact information of the dog owner.
- Contact the police and an animal control center to help prevent the same dog from biting another individual.
- Consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer.
Why You Should Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer
After a dog bite, it is wise to focus on recovering and leave the process of filing a personal injury claim to an experienced attorney. A lawyer can explain Wisconsin’s dog bite laws and how they apply to you, and they will help you determine what type of compensation you may be eligible for. With legal representation by your side, you can increase your chances of collecting fair and full compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological distress
- Permanent disfigurement
Contact a Waukesha County Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have suffered an injury as a result of a dog bite, it is in your best interests to reach out to the Delafield, WI personal injury attorneys at Bucher Law Group, LLC. Call 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation and learn about your legal options for pursuing financial compensation for your injuries.
Sources:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/174/02