Dog bites affect millions of people every year, and the physical and emotional toll can be devastating. While most dog owners are responsible, any dog can bite when scared, startled, or protecting something valuable to them. Understanding how to prevent bites—and knowing when to contact a Wisconsin dog bite lawyer—can make all the difference in protecting your family and your rights.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
Protecting Children from Dog Bites
Children face the highest risk of dog bite injuries, and according to the CDC, the injuries they sustain also tend to be more severe. About 60% of dog bites come from dogs the child knows and has been around, not strange dogs. Many of dog bites of children involve the face and neck, which significantly increases the risk of severe injury and visible scarring. The golden rule is simple: never leave young children unsupervised with any dog, even a trusted family pet. Always keep an adult between a child and a dog during interactions, and give dogs a safe retreat space—like a crate or gated area—where they won’t be disturbed. It’s best to also keep interactions short, remembering the phrase: Pet, Pet, Pause, so the dog does not become overly stimulated or overwhelmed.
Learning Safe Greeting Practices
Whether meeting a familiar dog or an unfamiliar one, safe greetings reduce the risk of bites significantly. Before approaching a dog you know or don’t know already:
- Ask before petting, even if the dog seems friendly
- Let the dog approach you rather than reaching toward them
- Turn your body slightly sideways and avoid direct eye contact
- Avoid reaching over their head
Partner and Attorney Bob Parsons explains in the following video interview on WEAU 13 with Morning Connections important precautions to remember when kids interact with dogs to prevent bite injuries.
Recognizing Signs of Stress in Dogs
Dogs communicate discomfort through body language long before they bite. Watch for lip licking, yawning, stiffening, hard stares, or showing teeth. The CDC also notes that households with multiple dogs face increased risk—adults with two or more dogs are five times more likely to be bitten than those without dogs at home. Read more tips in our article, How to Spot the Warning Signs of an Aggressive Dog
What to Do If a Dog Knocks You Down
If you’re knocked over, curl into a ball, tuck your head, and cover your ears and neck with your hands. Never run, scream, or attempt to break up a dog altercation.
What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog
Seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite seems minor. Injuries that don’t look severe on the surface can cause complications later. Getting prompt medical attention also creates a medical record. Next, report any bite to the police or local animal control, especially if you’re unsure about the dog’s rabies vaccination status. It’s also best to gather information about the dog and owner, including vaccination records and insurance information. Take photos of the injuries and the scene, as well as recording any details about the incident that you can remember.
When You Need a Wisconsin Dog Bite Lawyer
Even with the best precautions, dog attacks happen—and when they do, victims deserve accountability. Under Wisconsin law, dog owners are held liable for injuries their pets cause, including:
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
If a dog has previously been labeled dangerous, Wisconsin law requires doubled damages for subsequent injuries, making it critical to report prior incidents. You generally have three years from the date of the bite to file a claim, though certain circumstances may affect this timeline.
Why Choose Bye, Goff & Rohde
Not every law firm understands the complexities of dog bite cases. At Bye, Goff & Rohde, our attorneys have the experience to navigate Wisconsin’s specific liability laws and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, don’t wait to protect your rights. Call Bye, Goff & Rohde at 715-425-8161 for a free consultation.