Dog bites can happen in an instant and the aftermath can be overwhelming. Victims often face emergency medical treatment, risk of infection, scarring, and the emotional trauma that follows a sudden attack. In Wisconsin, victims have legal rights that allow them to recover the cost of their care.
At Lindner Law, LLC, we help individuals and families understand who is responsible for medical bills after a dog bite and how to pursue full compensation under Wisconsin law.
Get Medical Treatment Right Away
Even if the injury appears minor, always seek immediate medical care after a dog bite. Bacteria in a dog’s mouth can cause serious infection, and puncture wounds or deep lacerations may require stitches, antibiotics, or reconstructive treatment.
Prompt care does more than protect your health — it also creates an important medical record linking your injuries directly to the attack. If possible, identify the dog and owner, and verify whether the animal is current on its rabies vaccination.
Report the Bite to Local Authorities
Dog bites in Wisconsin should be reported to law enforcement or animal control. Reporting ensures the incident is officially documented and that the dog is quarantined for observation if needed.
Provide details such as the date, location, and identity of the dog’s owner. If you were bitten by a stray, include a description of the animal and any witnesses who saw the attack. A copy of the incident report can later help support your claim.
How Wisconsin’s Dog Bite Liability Law Works
Wisconsin’s strict liability law makes dog owners legally responsible when their pet bites or injures someone. Under Wisconsin Statute §174.02, the victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous.
If a dog has previously bitten someone and the owner was aware, the law allows victims to seek double damages for a repeat attack. This strong protection reflects Wisconsin’s commitment to holding dog owners accountable for the harm their pets cause.
Who Is Responsible for Paying the Medical Bills?
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers medical expenses and other damages. These policies typically include personal liability coverage for injuries caused by pets.
Insurance may cover:
- Emergency room and hospital treatment
- Rabies shots, antibiotics, and wound care
- Surgery and follow-up appointments
- Physical therapy or scar revision procedures
If the owner does not have insurance, or if someone else was caring for the dog at the time (for example, a friend or pet sitter), other coverage options may apply. Your attorney can help identify every potential source of compensation.
When the Dog Owner Refuses to Cooperate
It’s not uncommon for owners to deny that their dog bit someone or to refuse to provide insurance information. When this happens, do not argue with the owner or accept any informal offers of reimbursement.
An attorney can handle the communication on your behalf by:
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