Can You Sue Your Neighbor If Their Dog Bites You?

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries and long-term disfigurement. If your neighbor’s furry friend bit you, you may have an inkling that you can sue them. But is this actually a good idea? And what circumstances impact your ability to take legal action?

Learn the answer to “Can you sue your neighbor if their dog bites you?” below, then contact a Wisconsin personal injury attorney for more personalized assistance. 

Wisconsin Dog Bite Laws 

Each state approaches dog bites differently, but in Wisconsin, victims have significant rights to compensation. Under Wisconsin law, pet owners are strictly liable for the damages caused by their animal’s attack. An owner does not need to be negligent for you to seek damages from them; this is a legal concept known as “strict liability.” 

This statute poses that an owner is responsible for the full amount of damages caused by their pet injuring a person or domestic animal or harming any property. If the pup bit someone in the past, the owner may be liable for twice the amount of damages. 

Pet parents could face fines of between $50 and $2,500 for violating this law, but you may also have the right to sue them. 

Factors Affecting Your Ability To Sue

While Wisconsin laws make it clear that pet owners are liable for their furry friends’ behaviors, that doesn’t mean all victims have the right to compensation. Can you sue your neighbor if their dog bites you? The answer depends on a few factors:

  • Where the accident occurred: Pet owners are liable for their animals no matter where they go. But if you entered the owner’s property without permission, they may not be responsible for your injuries. 
  • Whether you provoked the animal: If you provoked the pup in some way, the court may deem you at least partially responsible for the attack under Wisconsin’s comparative negligence policy. 
  • The dog owner’s knowledge of prior aggression: Wisconsin does not follow a one-bite rule like some states, which means you can still sue even if the animal has never bitten someone previously. But if you can prove that the owner knew their pet was aggressive or had a history of biting, you may have the right to additional compensation. 
  • Your age or relationship to the victim: If you are 18 or older, you have legal standing to bring about a civil lawsuit. The parents or guardians of bite victims who are minors can sue on their behalf. In the case where an attack leads to death, the decedent’s personal representative can initiate a lawsuit. 

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for a dog bite is three years in Wisconsin. Be sure to start your legal action during this time to maintain the right to damages recovery. 

Our Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help You 

At Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Whitley & Bergmanis, we have extensive experience helping victims navigate dog bite accidents in Wisconsin. Can you sue your neighbor if their dog bites you? Allow us to answer this question in your initial consultation. Call 715-268-6130 to speak with us. 

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