WI · Strict liability
Wisconsin dog bite law
Wisconsin is a strict-liability state for injuries caused by a dog, with a narrow police-dog exception.
- Liability
- Strict liability
- Statute
- Wis. Stat. § 174.02
- Deadline to file
- 3 years · Wis. Stat. § 893.54
- Bites only?
- Injuries more broadly
Three years. Double damages can apply after a prior injury by the same dog — another reason the animal-control file matters.
Exceptions insurers will mention
Police dog that injured a crime suspect.
Compare the national split in strict liability vs one-bite, and confirm your clock on statute of limitations.
Similar liability rules
This page is general information, not legal advice, and is not a substitute for a lawyer licensed in your state. Statutes change. Confirm the current rule and your deadline with counsel before you rely on a date.