Strict liability, and when it doubles
Under Wisconsin law, a dog's owner is liable for the full amount of damages the dog causes to a person, another animal, or property (Wis. Stat. § 174.02(1)(a)). That liability does not depend on the dog having a history — which is one of the stronger positions an injured person can have — but it still requires proving the bite, the injuries, and the owner.
Double damages are narrower than many people assume. Wisconsin allows recovery of twice the full damages only where the dog bit with enough force to break the skin and cause permanent physical scarring or disfigurement, and the owner knew or had been notified that the dog had previously bitten someone — without provocation and with that same degree of injury (Wis. Stat. § 174.02(1)(b)). Both bites have to meet that bar. Whether the doubling provision applies is a fact question worth reviewing case by case; the full-damages claim under (1)(a) stands either way.
Paul M. Marriett handles the claim, which is usually paid through the owner's homeowner or renter insurance, so you can focus on healing.
Children and lasting injuries
Many dog-bite victims are children, and facial scarring and nerve damage can be permanent. Valuing these injuries means accounting for future treatment and the long-term effects, not just the emergency-room bill.
How dog-bite claims are actually paid
One worry keeps people from ever making a claim: they don't want to go after a neighbor, a friend, or a family member personally. In most cases they don't have to. A dog-bite claim is typically paid through the owner's homeowner or renter insurance, not out of the owner's pocket.
That means holding the responsible party accountable and preserving a relationship are not mutually exclusive. Paul M. Marriett deals with the insurance company so you don't have to turn a personal situation into a personal confrontation.
Injuries beyond the bite itself
A dog bite is rarely just a wound that heals and is forgotten. These injuries often include:
- Infection — bite wounds carry a real risk that can require aggressive treatment.
- Nerve and muscle damage — with lasting loss of function, especially to the hands and face.
- Scarring and disfigurement — sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Emotional trauma — a lasting fear of dogs is common, particularly in children.
Accounting for these longer-term effects — not just the initial treatment — is central to valuing the claim fairly.
What to do after a dog bite
A few steps protect both your health and any claim:
- Get medical care and follow through on it, both for infection risk and for the record.
- Identify the dog and its owner, and get the owner's and any witnesses' contact information.
- Report the bite to local authorities or animal control.
- Photograph the injuries and the location.
If you've already been offered a quick payment, it is reasonable to have an attorney look at it before you sign anything.
What a case costs
Cases like this are handled on a contingency-fee basis: no hourly bills, and the attorney fee comes out of any recovery. Clients may be responsible for litigation costs and expenses regardless of outcome — Paul M. Marriett explains exactly how that works, in writing, before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wisconsin a strict-liability state for dog bites?
Yes. Under Wisconsin law a dog's owner is liable for the full amount of damages the dog causes to a person, another animal, or property, even if the dog had never shown aggression before.
What if the dog had never bitten anyone before?
The owner is still liable for the full amount of damages under Wis. Stat. § 174.02(1)(a) — a first bite is enough. A prior bite only matters for the separate double-damages provision.
When can a dog owner owe double damages?
Only in a narrow situation under Wis. Stat. § 174.02(1)(b): the bite must break the skin and cause permanent physical scarring or disfigurement, and the owner must have known or been notified that the dog had previously bitten someone, without provocation, with that same degree of injury. Both bites have to meet that standard. The full-damages claim applies either way.
Do I have to sue the dog owner personally?
Usually not directly. A dog-bite claim is typically paid through the owner's homeowner or renter insurance, so you can hold the responsible party accountable without going after them out of pocket.
What if I was told I provoked the dog?
Provocation and comparative negligence can affect a claim, but they are fact-specific and often overstated by the insurer. It is worth having an attorney review exactly what happened before accepting that framing.
My child was bitten — what should we keep in mind?
Children are frequent victims, and facial scarring, nerve damage, and lasting fear are common. Valuing a child's claim means accounting for future treatment and long-term effects, not just the emergency-room visit.
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a dog-bite case?
Dog-bite cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis: no hourly bills, and the attorney fee comes out of any recovery. Clients may be responsible for litigation costs regardless of outcome, and Paul explains exactly how that works, in writing, before you sign.