Who is Liable for Vicious Animal Attacks?
Attacks by wild or exotic animals can leave those involved with serious injuries and health concerns. However, unlike dog bite incidents or other attacks involving domestic pets, it can be difficult to determine who, if anyone, is at fault for these incidents. In order for an injured individual to pursue a personal injury case for a wild animal attack, the victim and his or her legal team must prove that the defendant had a duty or responsibility to carry out, and the failure to carry out that duty then resulted in the injury sustained by the claimant.
Instances When a Lawsuit May Be Possible
If a seemingly “wild” animal was under someone’s care at the time of the attack, it may be possible to pursue compensation for any injuries stemming from the incident. Some situation in which these lawsuits can occur include:
- When an exotic animal owner allows his or her pet to escape its enclosure
- When a zoo or animal shelter allows an animal off its grounds
- When a person intentionally lures a dangerous animal onto a piece of property, creating the possibility for an attack
While many wild animal attacks ultimately have no one at fault, these unusual incidents may be grounds for legal action. Similarly to dog bite incidents, these actions may illustrate a negligent lack of restraint when dealing with a potentially dangerous animal.
Contact Us
If you’ve been attacked by a dangerous animal that should have been properly restrained or cared for by someone else, there may be legal options open to you so that you can pursue financial compensation for your injuries. However, the legal process involved with determining liability can be confusing, necessitating the assistance of a knowledgeable legal team. To learn more about how we may be able to help you, contact an attorney from Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., today by calling (303) 423-1770.
