How Long Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite?

If you’ve been in a car accident in Milwaukee, Appleton, Waukesha, or Oshkosh, you might be wondering: Should I contact an attorney now or wait until the accident report is ready? It’s tempting to hold off, especially when reports often take 7-14 days—or even longer—to finalize.

But here’s the truth: waiting can hurt your case. The car accident attorneys at Natasha Misra Law are here to let you know more about what you should do while the report is being created, and how legal support can make all the difference.

How the Accident Report Fits Into Your Case

The accident report is a key document, and it’s important to know what it includes—and doesn’t include:

The Basics: Details about the location, time, and parties involved in the crash.
The Officer’s Observations: The responding officer may note the conditions at the scene, statements from drivers and witnesses, and potential causes of the accident.
Liability Notes: The report may include the officer’s opinion on who was at fault—but it’s not the final say.

However, accident reports aren’t always perfect. Errors or missing details can occur, and if you don’t have an experienced attorney reviewing the report, these inaccuracies can hurt your claim. At Natasha Misra Law, we review accident reports carefully, flag any errors, and work to correct them quickly.

The Accident Report Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

While the accident report is an important investigative tool, it’s far from the only evidence your case relies on. Waiting for it means losing valuable time to collect:

Witness Statements: People’s memories fade fast, and key details could be lost.
Scene Evidence: Skid marks, debris, or vehicle damage may disappear within days.
Footage or Photos: Surveillance videos or dashcam recordings can be overwritten or erased.

We’ll handle the accident report for you, and we’ll get to work preserving evidence and building the strongest possible case.

What to Do If the Insurance Company Contacts You Before You Have the Report

Insurance companies don’t wait for accident reports—they move fast to protect their interests. If an adjuster calls you soon after the accident, they may:

Pressure you into giving a recorded statement that could be used against you.
Offer a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Ask you to sign paperwork that could waive your right to future compensation.

Here’s what you should do:

Avoid Making Statements: Keep your conversation brief and do not provide a recorded statement until consulting an attorney.
Don’t Sign Anything: Wait until you’ve spoken with an attorney who understands your rights.
Call Us Right Away: Natasha Misra Law will handle all communications with the insurance company so you don’t have to.

Act Now With Natasha Misra Law to Protect Your Rights and Your Claim

Accident reports are important, but they take time—and time isn’t on your side when it comes to building a strong case. By reaching out to us right away, you’re giving yourself the best chance to secure the compensation you deserve.

We focus on getting you back on your feet—physically, emotionally, and financially. From the moment you call, we’ll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest. Don’t let delays cost you your claim. Contact Natasha Misra Law today and let us fight for you—because you deserve more than just another suit.

When a dog has bitten you, you have limited time to report it if you plan on pursuing compensation. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the set time limit, you risk missing out on the opportunities to recover compensation for your injuries. For this reason, it is essential to understand the Wisconsin dog bite laws before you consider pursuing compensation.

At Natasha Misra Law, we are committed to protecting your rights. Whether you need assistance during negotiations or trials, we will work diligently to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.

Wisconsin Dog Bite Laws

Dog owners are liable for all the injuries their dogs cause to individuals or other animals. Wisconsin dog bite law establishes a strict liability rule, which holds dog owners accountable even if they took measures to prevent the attack. If the dog owner knew or was aware of a prior incident with the dog causing injury, your compensation could be doubled.

In Wisconsin, victims of dog bite attacks generally have three years from the day of the attack to file a lawsuit. However, you should consult a Wisconsin dog bite attorney as soon as possible as it is in your best interest to file a claim sooner rather than later.

Dog bite cases involving considerable damages can take up to two years in court. Luckily, as long as you file the claim on time, you have the opportunity to receive compensation even if the case takes longer than expected. A Wisconsin dog bite attorney can help you file the lawsuit and ensure the settlement is completed on time.

Report a Dog Bite Injury as Soon as Possible

It is advisable to report a dog bite attack as soon as it occurs. Here are some of the institutions to reach out to:

911: If you or your loved one has sustained severe injuries from the dog bite, consider seeking urgent medical attention. Calling 911 ensures the victim receives appropriate medical care before getting to the hospital.

Animal Control Agency: Your local animal control agency will help determine whether the dog has received rabies vaccinations.

Health Physician: A dog bite may cause infections and diseases such as tetanus and rabies. Consider visiting a doctor if you experience pain, fever, numbness, or excessive bleeding.

Take Photographs: It is important to take photos of your injuries which show the nature and extent of the dog bite. You should take photos at the time of the incident but also continue to take photos as the dog bite heals and changes in appearance.

Dog Bite Lawyer: A lawyer can help you gather evidence and the documentation required to file the lawsuit on time. Besides, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have a professional fighting for your rights.

Contact Our Wisconsin Dog Bite Attorneys for Help

Dog bite cases can be complicated. If a dog injures you or someone you love, you need to contact a dog bite attorney immediately. At Natasha Misra Law, our Wisconsin dog bite attorney will help you take legal action against the negligent dog owner and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Natasha Misra

My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.