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When Animals Attack

Animals can be sweet and loveable; often times, owners consider the family dog, cat, or other creature to be a part of the family. A furry family member, however well-loved, is still an animal that can be unpredictable and attack when least expected.
 

Beyond The Dogs


 

Dogs are the most common animal that you might identify with an animal attack, but they aren’t the only ones who can take a bite out of your fun. Most people recall the tragedy that occurred at one Disney World Resort when an alligator took the life of a small child. Alligators are considered to be wild animals, and it is difficult to hold anyone responsible when a wild animal attacks.
 

Responsible Parties


 

Those who are responsible can vary based on the animal and circumstances of the attack. They include, but are not limited to:
 
• Animal Owners
• Animal keepers – such as kennels, shelters, or zoos
• Property Owners – if the owner allowed a dangerous animal on their property
• Landlords – if the landlord knew that a tenant owned a dangerous animal
• Parents of Minors – if a person under the age of 18 owns the animal
In the case of a wild animal attack, the property owner can be held liable if it can be proven that they were negligent in preventing the injury. Property owners have due care to keep people safe, and if they knew about the wild animal but did not take steps to prevent an attack, or warn guests about potential dangers, it can show negligence.

Compensation and settlements can include:
 
• Medical bills – past and future
• Hospital and ER costs
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages including reduced earning capacity
• Punitive damages
• Lifestyle changes
 

What Steps To Take


 

As shocked and scared as you might be after you are attacked by any type of animal, there are a few steps you should take if you do come under attack:
 

  • Evaluate Injuries. After the attack, once the animal has been chased away or restrained, check your injuries. You might need to seek immediate medical help at the ER if the wounds are deep or serious. If you think that you can wait, make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible to reduce the risk of possible infection.

  • Identify Animal and Owner. Find and identify the animal responsible in the attack. Speak to any witnesses who saw the attack or the animal in question. Finding the owner is the next logical step, but if the animal was wild, find out who owns the property where the attack occurred.

  • Take Pictures. Take pictures of your wounds and any other injures that occurred as a result of the attack. This includes blood stains and torn clothing. Get pictures of the area where the attack happened and pictures of the animal if possible.

  • Report the Incident. Contact the local animal control office or law enforcement to make them aware of the attack, especially if the animal is wild and ran off after the incident.

  • Acquire Support. Consider contacting a personal injury attorney to help with any claims that can come from the incident. Medical bills can be extensive, based on your injuries, and someone else’s negligence could be responsible for them.


 

Contact An Experienced Attorney


 

Due to the nature of animal attacks and bites, you should contact a personal injury attorney who has a high level of experience with this specific type of case. The attorney should have knowledge of the Florida Dog Bite Law, strict liability, and who can be held responsible in these attacks. Only then will you get the compensation that you deserve after suffering such as traumatic event.