Share:

Dogs can be loyal and lovable companions, but at the end of the day, they are still animals, and there are times when they act purely out of instinct. Because even the most highly trained and well-behaved dogs have the capacity to bite, personal injury law holds pet owners strictly liable for their companions’ behavior. In some cases, an owner’s landlord can also be responsible for damages that result from an on-site dog bite. Here is what you need to know about determining liability for such claims in Wisconsin.

When the Owner Is Responsible

personal injury lawPet owners are always liable for their dog’s behavior, regardless of the circumstances. Since Wisconsin personal injury law has established strict liability in dog bite accidents, victims do not have to prove negligence contributed to the incident in any way.

If it did—for example, if the dog exhibited aggression in the past and the owner did not take adequate measures to prevent future injuries—the victim may be eligible to recover extra compensation from all liable parties. In addition to the pet owner, this might include the landlord of the property where the incident occurred.   

When the Landlord Is Responsible 

In certain scenarios, Wisconsin law permits dog bite victims to name the pet owner’s landlord in their personal injury claim. In general, landlords are considered at least partially liable if they care for the dog in any capacity. If they help the tenant by feeding or walking the dog, even on occasion, they could be responsible for any damages that result, especially when the dog is under their care.

Property owners may also be liable if their negligence somehow contributes to the incident. For example, if the latch on the gate is broken and the landlord fails to fix it within a reasonable amount of time, he or she might be at fault for any damage the dog causes upon escaping through the open gate.  

 

If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, the personal injury law attorneys at Egan & Richgels, SC will protect your family’s financial security in the aftermath. Based in La Crosse, WI, this firm has been representing clients throughout Western Wisconsin and Southeast Minnesota for four decades. To schedule an initial consultation with an accident attorney on their team, visit the website or call (608) 784-0087. 

tracking