Were you or your child bitten by a dog in Columbia County, Wisconsin? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. A skilled dog bite lawyer at Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. can help you take legal action and pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward when you reach out at (608) 256-8356.
With 140 years of combined experience and over $100 million recovered for injury victims across Wisconsin, our law firm knows how to hold negligent dog owners accountable. We’ll work to put as much money into your pocket as we can. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Columbia County dog bite lawyer.
How Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. Can Help After a Dog Bite in Columbia County, WI
At Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., our legal team understands how traumatic and painful dog bite injuries can be. We’ll handle all the legal work while you focus on healing.
Dog bite claims can be complex, especially if the owner denies liability or the injuries are serious. Insurance companies may try to undervalue your claim or argue that you provoked the dog. Having an experienced Columbia County dog bite attorney in your corner can make all the difference in your case.
If you hire us, we can:
- Investigate the circumstances of the dog attack
- Identify the liable parties
- Gather and preserve critical evidence
- Work with medical professionals and other experts
- Evaluate your damages and losses
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary
We’ve spent decades fighting for injured clients in Columbia County, WI, and throughout Wisconsin. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your dog bite claim.
Dog Bite Laws in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has strict liability laws for dog owners. Under Wisconsin Statutes § 174.02, a dog owner is liable if their dog injures a person, domestic animal, or property. This is true whether or not the dog has ever bitten anyone before. If the dog has previously bitten or injured someone, the law allows victims to pursue double damages in a second incident.
Importantly, you do not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent or that they knew the dog was dangerous. It’s enough to show that the dog caused the injury and that the defendant owns or controls the dog. That said, dog owners sometimes try to argue that the injured person provoked the animal. If they succeed in doing so, it could reduce or eliminate the amount of compensation you can receive.
Our attorneys are familiar with Wisconsin dog bite laws and defenses. We’ll build a strong case to protect your rights and push back against unfair claims.
How Much Is My Columbia County Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite case is unique. The value of your claim depends on the facts of your situation, including the severity of your injuries and how the attack has impacted your life. Some cases are worth a few thousand dollars, while others result in significantly higher settlements or verdicts.
Factors that can influence the value of your case include:
- The cost of your current and future medical care
- Whether your injuries have resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement
- How much work you’ve missed and whether you’ll be able to return
- The pain, emotional trauma, or anxiety caused by the attack
- Whether the dog had a known history of aggression (which may qualify you for double damages under Wisconsin law)
- Whether you were partially at fault
At Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., we will carefully calculate your damages and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under the law. If necessary, we’ll work with medical, vocational, or financial experts to support your claim. Contact our team today to get a clearer idea of what your dog bite case may be worth.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Columbia County?
Dog bite injuries can be serious and may lead to infections, nerve damage, scarring, and even psychological trauma. Taking the right steps after an attack can help protect your health and your legal claim.
After a dog bite, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if the wound seems minor
- Report the incident to local animal control or the police
- Take photos of your injuries and the scene of the attack
- Collect contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses
- Avoid giving detailed statements to the insurance company
- Contact a Columbia County dog bite attorney for guidance
Acting quickly can help preserve key evidence. It also ensures that local authorities document the incident, which may be important for your case.
We’ll Fight for Compensation Based on All of Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in a wide range of injuries. Our team will work to recover fair compensation for all the physical, emotional, and financial harm you’ve suffered.
We represent clients in dog bite cases involving:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Infections (including rabies or MRSA)
- Nerve damage
- Torn ligaments or soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Psychological injuries like PTSD or anxiety
- Wrongful death of a loved one
We know how devastating these injuries can be, especially for children. We’ll fight to get you the financial support you need to move forward.
What Damages Are Available in a Columbia County Dog Bite Case?
Victims of dog bites in Wisconsin may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. These compensatory damages are intended to address the full scope of your losses after an injury.
Economic damages refer to your financial costs, such as:
- Medical treatment
- Future medical needs
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate you for more personal hardships, like:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disability
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In Wisconsin, if the dog had previously bitten someone and the owner knew about it, you may be entitled to double damages. This added financial penalty can make a significant difference in your recovery.
What if the Dog Owner Blames Me for the Attack?
Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence law. This means you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, so long as your share of responsibility is not greater than 50 percent. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your fault. For example, if you’re found 25 percent responsible for your accident, your damages will be reduced by that amount.
Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto you by arguing you provoked the dog or ignored warning signs. Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., will fight back against these claims and build a case showing that the full responsibility lies with the dog’s owner.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Wisconsin?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Wisconsin is three years. That means you must file your lawsuit within three years of the dog bite or lose your right to recover compensation.
This deadline applies to most adult cases. However, if a child was the victim, the time limit may be extended. If a government entity is involved (for example, if the bite occurred on public property), a shorter deadline could apply.
To avoid missing important deadlines, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the attack.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Columbia County?
At Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront to hire us, and there aren’t any hourly fees. We only receive attorney’s fees for our work if we win or settle your case.
We will agree to a clear fee percentage before the case begins, which is typically around one-third of the final recovery. This arrangement ensures you get access to top-tier legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Call Our Columbia County Dog Bite Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Dog attacks in Columbia County, WI, can lead to painful injuries, long-term trauma, and expensive medical bills. You shouldn’t have to bear the consequences alone, especially if the dog’s owner could have prevented the attack.
Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. has over 140 years of combined experience and has recovered more than $100 million for injured clients throughout Wisconsin. We’re ready to investigate your case, hold the negligent party accountable, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Your first consultation is completely free, and there’s no risk in speaking with us. Call today to connect with a Columbia County dog bite lawyer who’s ready to stand up for you.