Dog bites can cause serious injuries, especially to children. Wisconsin law has specific guidelines for handling these claims, focusing on liability and the severity of the injury. When a dog bites a child, the legal process becomes more complex, considering the circumstances of the attack and the impact on the child.
Wisconsin’s strict liability law for dog bites
Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 174.02, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. The law holds dog owners responsible for any injuries their pets cause, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. Even if the dog has no history of aggression or seems friendly, the owner must still answer for the harm caused. This rule becomes especially significant in cases involving children, as their smaller size and lack of experience can lead to more serious injuries from a dog bite.
Special considerations when children are involved
When a dog bites a child, the case takes special legal considerations. Children are more vulnerable due to their size and lack of understanding of how to interact with animals. Legally, children often cannot assume the same level of risk as adults, which may influence the outcome of a dog bite claim. Furthermore, the injuries sustained by children are often more severe and may require long-term medical care or lead to emotional trauma, which can increase the compensation they receive.
Wisconsin law considers these factors when determining the damages for a dog bite involving a child. It accounts for the medical treatment costs and any psychological care the child needs after the incident.
Defenses in dog bite cases involving children
While Wisconsin law holds dog owners liable in most cases, they can still present defenses. For instance, an owner might argue that the child provoked the dog or was trespassing when the bite occurred. However, Wisconsin law typically recognizes that children are less likely to provoke dogs in the same way adults might, making these defenses less successful.
In Wisconsin, dog bite claims involving children can be complex, but the law provides protections for injured parties. Understanding how liability works and the long-term effects of a dog bite on a child’s life can help ensure the injured party receives appropriate legal recourse.