Yes. The Wisconsin dog bite statute allows people who have been hurt by a dog to recover “…for the full amount of damages…” caused by the dog bite. This includes the more obvious damages that you might think of—such as your medical expenses and lost income—and it also includes all of your out-of-pocket costs.
What Are Out-of-Pocket Costs?
Out-of-pocket costs are any expenses that are incurred as a direct result of your dog bite injury or recovery. Generally, these are expenses that are not included in other specific types of damages such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering. Some examples of out-of-pocket costs include:
- Babysitting or childcare if you are unable to take care for your children the way that you did prior the dog bite.
- Transportation costs if you are unable to drive or take the same transportation that you did prior to the dog bite.
- Help around the house if you are unable to clean or do the things that you did prior to the dog bite.
You may be able to recover for the out-of-pocket expenses that you have already incurred and future out-of-pocket expenses that will result from your dog bite injury, but first you will have to prove that these costs were caused by your injury.
How Can I Get the Full and Fair Recovery That I Deserve?
You can recover compensation for out-of-pocket costs, as well as other dog bite damages, by settling with the insurance company or being successful at trial. The insurance company or the defendant is going to fight hard to pay you as little as possible in damages. Thus, it is important to keep documentation of all of your out-of-pocket costs and to work with an experienced lawyer who will fight hard to get you the damages that you deserve.