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Case of the Month August 2026

Parties Reach $400K Settlement for Minor's Dog Bite Injuries

In the Matter of Approval of Settlement for S.E.K.

Case Type:
Animals - Bite/Attack
Animals - Dog
Negligence-Other
Insurance - Homeowners Policy

Specific Liability:
Minor suffered personal injuries due to dog attack

General Injury:
Lacerations to inferior and medial of right eye; lacerations on right nasolabial fold and upper lip, resulting in facial scarring; lacerations on head and neck, for which surgery, irrigation and debridement were performed

Jurisdiction:
State: Wisconsin
Circuit Court of Wisconsin, Tenth Judicial District, Eau Claire County.

Related Court Documents:
Order approving minor settlement: 2026 WL 679009

Case Name:
In the Matter of Approval of Settlement for S.E.K.

Docket/File Number:
2025-CV-000712

Result Amount:
$400,000

Result Date:
January 07, 2026

Judge:
Beverly Wickstrom

Attorneys:
Plaintiff: Eric J. Ryberg, Habush Habush & Rottier SC, Madison, WI; Evan B. Tenebruso, Nowlan Law LLP, Janesville, WI

Result Type:
Settlement

Experts:
Plaintiff: Not Reported
Defendant: Not Reported

Breakdown of Award:
$400,000 to plaintiff for damages

Summary of Facts:
Plaintiff S.E.K., a minor, was reportedly bitten by a dog owned by and/or under the care of Donald E. Barnes Jr. and Cathleen J. Barnes when the plaintiff was visiting her grandparents' cabin located on Lake Eau Claire in Augusta, Wis.

The plaintiff said that the incident occurred when she leaned over to pet the dog, at which point the dog allegedly lunged at her and bit her near her mouth, throat and right eye.

The plaintiff said that she suffered personal injuries due to the dog attack, which included a 1.5 centimeter laceration inferior and medial to her right eye, a 1.5 centimeter laceration involving the right nasolabial fold, or the crease that extends from the right side of her nose down to the corners of her mouth, and three lacerations to her upper lip.

The plaintiff also apparently underwent surgery to repair five lacerations on her head and neck, with irrigation and debridement. The plaintiff said that her wounds from the dog attack resulted in facial scarring.

At the time of the dog bite incident, Donald and Cathleen Barnes were reportedly insured by American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. through a homeowners liability policy.

The plaintiff contended that the Barnes' negligence caused the dog attack and her resulting injuries and damages.

The parties agreed to resolve the plaintiff's claims arising from the incident in exchange for American Family Mutual Insurance Company's payment of $400,000.

The parties sought court approval of the settlement and the court approved the settlement terms.

Circuit Court of Wisconsin, Tenth Judicial District, Eau Claire County.

Westlaw Citation:
2026 WL 699738