Many people in Wausau and throughout Marathon County associate dog injury claims with bites, but Wisconsin law recognizes that dogs can cause serious injuries in other ways. A dog that knocks someone to the ground, causes a bicyclist to crash, or creates another hazardous situation may leave an injured person facing medical expenses, lost income, and a difficult recovery. In some situations, Wisconsin law may allow the injured person to pursue a claim even when no bite occurred.
When a Dog Causes Injury Without Biting
Dog owners have a responsibility to control their animals and take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. When a dog runs into a pedestrian on a downtown Wausau sidewalk, jumps on a visitor, or darts into the path of a bicycle near a neighborhood street or local trail, the resulting injuries can be significant. Broken bones, head injuries, sprains, and other trauma may occur even though the dog never made an aggressive bite. The facts surrounding the incident often determine whether the owner may be legally responsible.
A dog owner’s responsibility in Wisconsin can extend beyond bite injuries when a dog’s actions directly cause someone to be hurt.
Can You File a Claim After Being Knocked Down by a Dog?
A common question is whether someone can file an injury claim after being knocked down by a dog in Wausau. The answer depends on the circumstances. If the dog’s behavior caused the fall and the owner failed to properly control or restrain the animal, the injured person may have grounds to seek compensation. Evidence such as witness statements, photographs of the scene, medical records, and reports made shortly after the incident can help establish what happened and how the injuries occurred.
Dog-Related Bicycle Accidents in Wausau
Bicycle riders in the Wausau area may face unique risks when encountering loose or uncontrolled dogs, especially on neighborhood streets, bike routes, or recreational areas used by cyclists and pedestrians. A dog that suddenly runs into the roadway, appears near a path, or chases a cyclist can force a rider to take evasive action, leading to a crash even without direct contact. These incidents may result in serious injuries because cyclists have little protection during a fall. In Wisconsin, the circumstances surrounding the dog’s actions and the owner’s conduct may be important factors in determining legal responsibility for any resulting injuries.
Case Summary: When a Dog Runs into the Street and Causes a Bicycle Crash
In April 2023, Diane was riding her bicycle when a dog ran into the roadway and struck her front tire, causing her to be thrown from the bike. The fall resulted in a fractured tibial plateau, requiring immediate surgical intervention. Following surgery, Diane was non-weight-bearing and relied on a wheelchair and walker for six weeks during her recovery. She was left with permanent scarring from the procedure.
How the Claim Was Resolved
Under Wisconsin Statute § 174.02, dog owners may be held strictly liable for injuries their animals cause—not only through bites, but through any property damage or injury a dog inflicts on another person. Attorney Nicole Wells pursued a pre-suit demand for the homeowner’s insurance policy limits, but when the insurer declined to disclose those limits, the case proceeded into litigation. The case was resolved with a $250,000 settlement.
This case illustrates that Wisconsin’s dog liability statute extends well beyond bite injuries, and that skilled legal representation can lead to efficient, favorable resolutions even in complex claims.
What to Do After a Dog-Related Injury in Wausau
After any dog-related injury in Wausau or the surrounding Marathon County area, seeking prompt medical attention should be a priority, even if the injuries appear minor at first. Some conditions, including concussions and soft tissue injuries, may not become fully apparent until hours or days later. It is also helpful to document the exact location, gather contact information for witnesses, identify the dog and its owner when possible, and preserve photographs of injuries, damaged property, and the scene.
Reporting the incident to the appropriate local authorities in Wausau or Marathon County may also create an official record that could become important later. Keeping copies of medical bills, treatment records, repair estimates for damaged bicycles or other property, and notes about how the injuries affect daily activities can provide valuable documentation if questions about liability arise.
Understanding Your Options After a Wisconsin Dog Injury
Every dog-related injury case is unique, and Wisconsin law considers the specific facts surrounding each incident. Whether someone is knocked down while walking in Wausau, injured during a bicycle crash, or harmed in another situation involving a dog, understanding that legal rights may exist beyond dog bite cases can help clarify the options available after an unexpected injury. Careful documentation and a clear understanding of the circumstances often play an important role in evaluating whether a claim may be appropriate. If you or a loved one was seriously hurt because of a dog’s actions, BGR can help you understand the next steps. Call or text our team at 715-425-8161 to discuss the facts of your potential dog injury claim and learn how we may be able to help.