Dog Bite Liability in Wisconsin
Whether a dog owner in Wisconsin is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability statute. A dog owner is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring a person, domestic animal or property, subject to comparative negligence rules. Wis. Stat. § 174.02(1)
| Dog bites | Strict liability statute. A dog owner is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring a person, domestic animal or property, subject to comparative negligence rules. If the owner knew the dog had previously, without provocation, bitten someone hard enough to break the skin and cause permanent scarring or disfigurement, the owner is liable for two times the damages for a similar bite. Source: Wis. Stat. § 174.02(1) |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | Three years for an action to recover damages for injuries to the person, including injuries from a motor vehicle accident. Source: Wis. Stat. § 893.54(1m)(a) |
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FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Wisconsin?
Strict liability statute. A dog owner is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring a person, domestic animal or property, subject to comparative negligence rules. If the owner knew the dog had previously, without provocation, bitten someone hard enough to break the skin and cause permanent scarring or disfigurement, the owner is liable for two times the damages for a similar bite.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Wisconsin?
Three years for an action to recover damages for injuries to the person, including injuries from a motor vehicle accident.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.