Commonly, most people think of animal attacks in terms of dog bites, but dogs are not the only animals that can pose a threat or cause injury to a person. Birds are able to inflict severe pain and cause damage by biting. Cats can also be the direct cause of injury to adults and children. Smaller pets, such as ferrets, gerbils, chinchillas, rats, and other pets can cause injuries as well. Plus, occasionally people have less common animals as pets – such as large cats, certain breeds of monkeys, and other typically wild animals. The injuries caused by dog and animal attacks vary greatly in severity, and the injured party may be entitled to compensation for such an attack.
It is always a good idea to seek legal advice when trying to determine if you are eligible for compensation due to dog and animal attacks. The liability of the animal owner will vary by jurisdiction, and an experience legal professional will be able to help determine the details of a personal injury case.
The injured party will need to be able to prove that the animal responsible for the attack was owned and cared for by the defendant in the case. In cases past, the injured party was responsible for proving that the animal was dangerous or that the owner knew the animal posed a particular threat. However, it is more common these days that the animal’s owner can be proven negligent for not properly containing or adequately restraining an animal whether or not the animal was known to be vicious or dangerous. In most cases, the injured party will receive compensation if it is discovered and proven that the owner of the animal was aware that the animal was dangerous or vicious and did nothing to properly restrain or contain the animal. Pet owners are required to take measures to protect the public from a pet or animal that has proven to be vicious, dangerous or difficult to control. When a pet owner fails to take the measures necessary to protect the public, then he or she can be held liable for injuries caused by that dangerous or vicious animal.
In the case a person who possesses animals that are typically classified as wild animals, the person owning such animals are generally found liable for injuries caused by such animals. Whether the person owns big cats, skunks, raccoons, bears or even monkeys, these animals are assumed to be dangerous and are not typically domestic pets. Owners of such pets may be held responsible for injuries caused by these animals.
