By Steven T. Caya, Attorney | Personal Injury Law | Nowlan Injury Law | Madison, Janesville, Beloit & Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
A dog bite that breaks the skin is never truly minor. Even a small puncture wound can introduce harmful bacteria deep into tissue, and an infection may not become apparent for days. For Wisconsin dog bite victims, understanding the medical risks and how they relate to your legal rights is an important part of knowing what you may be entitled to recover.
This post is not meant to alarm you. It is meant to make sure you have the information you need to protect your health and your claim
Why Dog Bites Carry Infection Risk
A dog’s mouth harbors a complex mix of bacteria. When a bite breaks the skin, bacteria are introduced directly into the wound. Puncture wounds are particularly concerning because they close quickly at the surface, trapping bacteria in deeper tissue where oxygen is limited, and conditions favor bacterial growth.
Bites to the hands, fingers, and feet carry a higher risk of serious infection because those areas have limited blood flow and are more difficult to clean thoroughly.
Infection risk is also affected by:
The depth and location of the wound
How quickly the wound was cleaned and treated
- The victim’s age, immune status, or underlying health conditions; diabetes, for example, significantly increases risk
- Whether the dog’s vaccination records were available
Infections Commonly Associated with Dog Bites
Pasteurella multocida
Pasteurella is the most frequently identified bacterium in dog bite wounds. Redness, swelling, and pain can develop within hours of the bite. In healthy individuals, infection is often localized. In those with compromised immune systems, Pasteurella can spread and become a more serious systemic illness.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus
This bacterium is present in the saliva of most healthy dogs and causes no illness in the animal. In humans, particularly those who are immunocompromised, have diabetes, or have had their spleen removed, Capnocytophaga can progress to sepsis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms may not appear for several days, and the connection to a dog bite may not be immediately obvious. Severe cases have resulted in hospitalization, amputation, and organ failure.
MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
MRSA is a drug-resistant staph bacterium that has been documented in dog bite wounds. Standard oral antibiotics are not effective against it. Treatment often requires IV antibiotics, hospitalization, and in some cases surgical removal of infected tissue. Its presence significantly increases both the complexity and cost of care.
Streptococcal Infections and Cellulitis
Streptococcal bacteria can cause cellulitis, a spreading skin and soft-tissue infection, following a dog bite. Left untreated, cellulitis can advance to underlying tissue and bone (osteomyelitis), requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment or surgery.
Rabies
Rabies transmission from domestic dogs in Wisconsin is rare. However, when a dog’s vaccination history is unknown or unverifiable, particularly in the case of stray animals, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be recommended. PEP involves a series of injections and represents a meaningful medical intervention.
Tetanus
Puncture wounds from animal bites are a recognized route for tetanus exposure. Victims who are not up to date on their tetanus vaccination may need a booster as part of their post-bite care.
How Infection Changes the Damages in Your Claim
Under Wis. Stat. § 174.02, Wisconsin’s dog bite statute, a dog’s owner is strictly liable for the full amount of damages caused by their animal; no proof of prior dangerous behavior is required. If the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before, the statute permits double damages.
When an infection develops, it can substantially expand the categories of harm you experienced and the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Medical expenses are often the most immediately affected. A bite that initially required only wound care and a prescription antibiotic can, if infection develops, result in emergency room visits, hospitalization, IV antibiotic treatment, wound care, drainage procedures, and reconstructive surgery. All of those are recoverable medical costs.
Lost wages become a factor when infection extends your recovery and your inability to work. Complications affecting hand or foot function, or requiring hospitalization, can add weeks to a recovery that might otherwise have been brief.
Pain and suffering increase proportionally with the severity of the injury. Infections are painful. Follow-up wound care, debridement, and surgical procedures contribute to the physical toll that courts consider in a personal injury claim.
Permanent disfigurement or disability may result from severe infections. Scarring from wound treatment, nerve damage from spreading infection, or, in serious cases, limb loss, represents long-term harm that is recognized in calculating damages.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
From both a medical and legal standpoint, the steps you take in the days following a bite matter.
- Seek medical attention promptly. Even a bite that appears minor should be evaluated. Early treatment reduces the risk of infection and creates a medical record linking the bite to your injuries.
- Follow up if symptoms change. Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or fever are signs of possible infection. Seek care rather than waiting to see if symptoms resolve.
- Document the incident. Report the bite to local animal control, photograph your injuries, and obtain the dog owner’s contact and insurance information if possible.
- Preserve all medical records. Keep records of every treatment visit connected to the bite. These documents form the foundation of a personal injury claim.
- Speak with an attorney before settling. Infections and complications often develop after the initial injury. The full extent of your damages may not be known right away. An early consultation helps ensure you do not accept a settlement before you understand the true cost of your injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file a claim if the infection appeared days after the bite?
Yes. Wisconsin’s strict liability statute covers all damages caused by the dog bite, including complications that arise during recovery. The key is establishing the medical connection between the bite and the infection, which is why thorough documentation and follow-up care matter.
What if I wasn't sure at first how serious the injury was?
Many victims initially underestimate a bite injury. Wisconsin’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of injury. Still, it is advisable not to wait; witnesses, evidence, and medical records become harder to gather over time.
What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?
Wisconsin applies comparative negligence principles to personal injury claims. If a victim provoked the dog, their recovery may be reduced in proportion to their share of fault. However, provocation is a specific legal standard; routine interactions with a dog generally do not meet it. An attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your situation.
Does homeowner's or renter's insurance typically cover dog bites?
In many cases, yes. Many homeowner’s and renter’s policies include liability coverage for dog bites. An attorney can help identify all available sources of compensation in your case.
When to Contact Nowlan Injury Law
If you or someone you care for has experienced a dog bite, particularly one that led to an infection, extended medical treatment, time away from work, or lasting effects, it is worth understanding your legal options. Our attorneys represent dog bite victims throughout Wisconsin, including Madison, Janesville, Beloit, and Sun Prairie.
We offer a free consultation to discuss what happened and whether you have a claim worth pursuing. There are no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact Nowlan Injury Law
Contact Nowlan Injury Law to schedule a consultation, or call our office to speak with a member of our team.
Nowlan Injury Law represents personal injury victims across southern Wisconsin. This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Contact our office to discuss the specifics of your situation.
