What to Do If You’re Bitten by an Animal Other than a Dog
When most people think of animal bites, dog bites are typically the first thing that comes to mind. But bites from other animals, such as cats, exotic pets, and even wild animals are also possible, resulting in serious injuries and significant legal implications. To explore what legal avenues are available in order to seek justice after sustaining an animal bite, connect with a skilled Atlanta dog bite lawyer.
Cats, Exotic Pets, and Wild Animals
In Georgia, if you’re bitten by a cat, the owner may be held liable if it can be proven that the cat has a history of aggression or if the owner was negligent in controlling the cat. It is important to recognize that relief for medical expenses could be in reach as cat bites can be particularly dangerous due to a high risk of infection. So if a cat was allowed to roam freely despite known aggressive tendencies, the owner could be held responsible for harm.
Additionally, exotic pets, such as snakes, lizards, can pose serious risks. Owners of exotic pets are typically held to a higher standard of care due to the inherent dangers these animals present. If you’re bitten by an exotic pet, the owner can be held liable if they failed to take proper precautions to prevent the bite. This could include inadequate enclosures, lack of warning signs, or allowing the pet to interact with strangers without proper supervision.
Bites are also possible in encounters with wild animals, whether in a natural setting or in the captive settings of zoos or wildlife parks. In these cases, liability can be complex. If the bite occurs in a controlled environment, such as a zoo, the facility may be held liable if they failed to provide adequate safety measures. For wild animals encountered in nature, liability is generally more challenging to establish, but landowners can sometimes be held responsible if they failed to warn the public about known dangers.
Investigating the Incident
Whatever animal caused your bite injury, know that an Atlanta dog bite lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the bite and discuss compensation options with you. Straightening your recovery position will often involve gathering evidence, such as medical records, eyewitness accounts, and any history of aggression from the animal involved. When a bite is from an exotic pet, reviewing the owner’s compliance with local regulations and safety standards may be part of the process.
Establishing liability is a challenging aspect of animal bite cases, but an experienced attorney who is familiar with Georgia’s laws can determine who can be held responsible. This might involve proving negligence on the part of the animal owner or demonstrating that a facility failed to take appropriate safety precautions.
Could you use legal support after being bit by a cat or exotic pet? Secure legal representation to achieve a fair outcome, contact the knowledgeable attorneys at Zagoria Law today to discuss your case and learn about next steps. When you are ready to obtain the compensation you need to pay for animal bite medical bills, contact us.
