World

Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Published

3 years ago

September 18, 2021

Astonishingly in the United States, approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Statistically, this means you have a 1 in 70 chance of being bitten by a dog annually. Dog bites can leave a person suffering from excruciatingly painful injuries that could take months or years of rehabilitation.

If you or a family member is bitten by a dog, you have the right to sue for a dog bite injury in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. An experienced dog bite attorney can help you initiate a claim and act in your best interest every step of the way. Dog bite injuries are often incredibly traumatizing experiences and can leave you with financial difficulties. An attorney can work with you to gain you the compensation you need to put this horrific event behind you.

The Common Dog Bite Injuries

It is crucial to understand dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe. In some cases, you could still sue for a dog bite injury if you were injured while trying to flee an animal, even if you were never bitten. Below are a few common injuries that follow a dog attack or bite.

Various puncture wounds
Minor to severe scarring or disfigurement
Broken bones
Head and neck injuries from struggling or falling
Emotional trauma
Face injuries
Rabies
Nerve damage

Who Is Allowed to Sue for a Dog Bite in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

If you or a family member has been attacked by a dog and have suffered injuries, you are likely wondering if you’re eligible for compensation. Below we have listed a few insights into who can sue.

Should you be the legal guardian of an adult who was injured by a dog bite: If you are a legal guardian of an adult, you are allowed to initiate a lawsuit and seek fair compensation on behalf of the injured person.
You were bitten by a dog and are 18 or older. You are legally an adult and are allowed to seek compensation for your injuries.
Should you be the legal guardian or parent of a minor who was bitten by a dog and injured: Children who have been injured due to a dog bite require their parents or legal guardians to undertake legal proceedings on their behalf. As a parent or guardian, you expressly have the right to act in the best interest of your child, which is why you can file a lawsuit on their behalf and seek out compensation.
You are the designated administrator or executor of the injured person’s estate. If you are the assigned administrator or executor of the estate of the person who has suffered injuries and died due to a dog bite, you are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

How the Wisconsin Statute of Limitations Can Affect Your Dog Bite Injury Claim

The victim can be unable to work, has incurred major medical bills, or requires further funding for treatment which are all time sensitive and the insurers know this. In return, a common tactic for insurance companies to reduce the amounts of settlements paid is to take as much time as legally possible before being forced to pay. This way they can often get the victims to agree to a reduced settlement when time is more important than the overall compensation.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you have three years from the date of the dog bite injury to file your claim.

Notably, if you do not file a legal claim within the three-year timeline, you will be barred from pursuing compensation. You don’t want to place yourself in this position.

Understanding the legalities surrounding dog bite law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, can be challenging. It should come as a significant relief to learn you likely can sue for a dog bite injury if you fall within the criteria. By keeping in mind the timeframe for which you are permitted to file an injury claim and noting the disreputable tactics insurance companies employ, you will have a better chance of obtaining compensation. Additionally, with the help of a qualified dog bite attorney, you can maximize your settlement.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.