Legal Question in Personal Injury in Wisconsin

Dog Bites

Can I be sued for a child getting bit by my dog in my house? I was not home at the time, but my son and his girlfriend invited the person and the child into the house. Both of them know that the dog may bite if touched on the back end, she has issues with her back end. The child evidentally fell onto the dogs back end when the dog was sleeping on the floor and the dog turned and snapped.


Asked on 6/30/04, 10:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael End End, Hierseman & Crain, LLC

Re: Dog Bites

Yes, you may be liable for the injuries suffered by the child. Wis. Stat. sec. 174.02 provides that the owner of a dog is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog if the dog has not injured someone before this injury. If the dog has injured someone before, then the injured person is entitled to double damages. These claims are usually covered by homeowners or renters insurance, if you have that insurance.

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Answered on 6/30/04, 11:16 am


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