Pets provide important companionship for people of all ages. Unfortunately, there are instances when a dog or other animal attacks a person and inflicts serious injuries.

The trauma of a vicious dog bite attack is life-changing. Dog bite injuries often leave permanent scars that can result in psychological damage as well. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, you deserve to be compensated for medical bills, as well as any long-term physical or psychological damage.

The dog bite attorneys at Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C., with offices in Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin, are experienced at recovering maximum compensation for victims of dog bites and other animal attacks.

Who is responsible for a dog bite in Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin law, dog owners are strictly liable for damages caused by their dogs. We examine all of the facts of a dog bite incident before rushing to reach a settlement in order to be assured that we are collecting the maximum amount allowed under the law.

We investigate all the facts of a case. If a dog has a history of biting — even if it was only one previous attack — it can impact your case. In Wisconsin, it can entitle the current victim to double compensation. We know how to find every opportunity to maximize compensation.

Among those most at risk of suffering a dog bite are children and men. Often, children do not understand that approaching an unfamiliar animal could have harmful results. Children between 5 and 9 years of age are the most susceptible to dog bites and are also more likely to require medical intervention following the bite.

While the dog owner is ultimately responsible for his or her pet, people should take precautions to avoid a serious dog bite, particularly parents of young children.

Dog Bites Happen Everywhere, Including Green Bay and Appleton, WI.

A teenager recently suffered a dog bite in Appleton, Wisconsin.

On a mid-August afternoon, an 18-year-old was out for a walk around the intersection of E. Eldorado Street and N. Union Street in Appleton, Wisconsin. On his walk, he encountered a Rottweiler – the dog was not wearing a leash.

As the teenager bent down to give the dog a pat, the dog bit the man on his head. The wound was serious enough that it required stitches. Although the dog’s owner purportedly spoke to the injured teen after the incident, the man did not provide identification to the teen.

Dog bites are a serious concern in accountability and injury across the country

Unfortunately, man’s best friend will sometimes lash out and bite unsuspecting people, as the 18-year-old Appleton man discovered. Each year, about 4.5 million people suffer dog bites in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those who suffer from a dog bite, about 20 percent require some type of medical intervention following the injury, such as the stitches required by the Wisconsin teen.

In the worst cases, serious medical care may be required. For instance, over 27,000 Americans needed reconstructive surgery after suffering a dog bite in 2012, according to the CDC.

What can I do to prevent a dog bite accident or injury?

As a rule of thumb, it is a good idea to teach children not to approach dogs or other animals with which they are not familiar.

Unfortunately, children are most susceptible to dog attacks. Many children are naturally drawn to animals and don’t always understand that some dogs are not friendly to strangers. A child can recover from the physical injuries of a dog bite, yet have psychological wounds — trauma and fear — that persist into adulthood.

If an unfamiliar dog takes the initiative and approaches the child, he or she should be instructed to avoid eye contact with the animal and not move. If the dog becomes aggressive and knocks the child down, he or she should curl into a ball and stay still.

Finally, should a dog bite occur, children should understand that they must immediately inform an adult. The adult can then take action to obtain medical care for the child and contact information from the pet owner.

Put The Experience Of A Green Bay Animal Attack Attorney On Your Side

Pet owners can be held responsible when their dog bites another individual. If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog bite, take the time to talk to an experienced dog bite lawyer, who will work with you to make certain you receive the damages to which you may be entitled.

Our experienced dog bite lawyers understand that it is wise to be patient and not rush to reach a settlement in a dog bite case until the full extent of psychological damages becomes clear.

Dog and pet owner liability law has been a constantly evolving and changing area. If you have questions regarding an incident involving you or a loved one, call our Appleton dog bite attorneys at 920-831-0300 or email us to schedule a free initial consultation.

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