By: Attorney Chris Strohbehn

For many people and families, dogs are loving companions. Because of this, it can be easy to forget that dogs can also be dangerous, and they can inflict serious injuries when they bite or attack someone. By working with a personal injury attorney, dog bite victims can take legal action to pursue financial compensation that addresses their injuries and any other damages they have suffered.

Liability for Dog Bites Under Wisconsin Law

Victims of dog bite injuries have the right to pursue compensation from an animal’s owner or another person who was in control of a dog, such as a landlord or pet sitter. Wisconsin law states that a dog’s owner can be liable for the full amount of the damages inflicted by their pet when a dog injures a person or another domestic animal or causes damage to property. 

If you have been bitten by a dog, you are at risk for a number of injuries. First, there is likely some sort of wound, and the degree of severity can range from superficial to severe. You also may be at risk for scarring or permanent disfiguration. Another possible injury that people often overlook with dog bites is the transmission of a disease or infection. 

Wisconsin Dog Bite Laws 

Under Wisconsin law, an owner is typically responsible for injuries caused by their dog. It does not matter if the owner was not on the scene when the attack occurred or if the owner took steps to protect others from the dog. This type of law is called “strict liability.”

It also does not matter if the dog owner believed that the dog was not dangerous or if they did not know of any previous attacks. A dog owner may be held responsible for any injury their dog inflicts on any other person, domestic animal, or property. In addition, if it can be proven that a dog owner was told or knew that the dog previously, without provocation, had bitten a person with sufficient force to break the skin and cause permanent physical scarring or disfigurement, the owner may be held liable for double the amount of damages.

Slipping and falling can lead to serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident, there are things you can do to strengthen your case and increase your chances of recovering compensation. 

Demonstrating Liability

One of the main hurdles in a slip and fall case is proving that the business or property owner knew of the condition that caused your fall and did not take the proper steps to correct it. Alternately, you can satisfy this requirement by showing that any reasonable business or property owner would have known about the condition, because it was present for a substantial period of time before you fell.

Following an injury, you should take the following steps:

Factories, warehouses, and construction sites are all known for the dangerous conditions that put workers at risk. These job sites are typically subject to numerous rules and regulations to make them safer. However, serious injuries can also occur in an office setting that can interfere with your ability to work and enjoy life. If you have sustained a serious injury while working in an office, you may be entitled to compensation.

Common Office Accidents

1. Slip-and-fall. Many office accidents are caused by an employee tripping or slipping on a hazard. In fact, this is the most common office injury. Common risks presented in an office setting include loose electrical cords, uneven surfaces, unmarked wet floors, poor lighting and unsecured carpeting. A slip-and-fall can result in back and spine injuries, broken bones, and head trauma. Often, these accidents are preventable by raising awareness of the risks and properly marking when there is a hazard.
   
   
2. Lifting heavy objects. Office supplies, files, and cases of water need to be lifted in an office setting. Doing so can put a strain on your back muscles. Back injuries are notoriously difficult to treat and often require long-term care. Even if your back was previously injured before your workplace accident, you should be compensated for the injury exacerbation. To avoid these injuries, do not lift heavy objects, use proper form when lifting, or ask a coworker for help.
   
   
3. Falling objects. Office supplies located in hard-to-reach areas pose a danger to employees. Office workers could strain muscles in an attempt to get to supplies. Also, supplies can fall causing trauma to an employee’s body or back. Use a ladder with a spotter to avoid any accidents.
   
   
4. Ergonomic injuries. Because office workers are required to be seated at a desk in front of a computer for many hours each day, there are multiple injuries for which they may be at risk. Injuries related to posture, eye strain, and repetitive movements may become apparent over time. Employers should offer workers a variety of chairs, keyboards, and desks. Workers should also be instructed as to how to adjust these items for the most ergonomic use.

Contact a Milwaukee Personal Injury Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents happen often and in many different locations. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, there are over one million slip and fall emergency room visits each year. 

As the name suggests, these incidents occur when a person slips and falls to the ground. The cause of the accident can be a liquid on the floor or an uneven surface. The resulting injuries, for example, bone fractures or sprains, can be debilitating.

Slip and falls can happen at the supermarket, shopping centers, private residences, or government offices. While this kind of accident can happen anywhere, not everyone who suffers from these accidents may be able to prove a lawsuit.