Animal/pet owners are liable for injuries caused by their pets. It doesn't matter whether the animal is a pit bull or a turtle; if it causes injuries, the animal's owner may be held liable. Animal attacks fall under the umbrella of personal injury law, where the injured party has the legal right to seek compensation for injuries caused by another party's actions or negligence. Every year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs, and the vast majority of these bites involve children. Some of these attacks cause severe harm such as eye injuries or permanent scarring to the face or neck. Additionally, cats bite approximately 750,000 people each year in the U.S. Cat bites or scratches can also cause a bacterial infection which can lead to life-threatening health problems. Unfortunately, most people aren't aware of their rights after an animal attack. As a consequence, they either shoulder the financial burden of their injuries or accept an insurance offer that is far below the value of their harm. This can be an especially big injustice when the injuries involve scarring, nerve damage or some other form of permanent disfigurement or disability. Insurance companies consistently devalue the injuries suffered by animal attack victims. Once you accept an offer from an insurer, it prevents you from seeking additional money in the future, even if your injuries prove far more problematic than you thought they were. If you are involved in an animal bite incident, gaining pertinent information about the animal, its owner, and any witnesses is crucial. You should also report the incident to local police or animal control authorities as soon as possible after the attack.
At Mason Legal Services, LLC, our knowledgeable and compassionate personal injury attorney will vigorously represent you so you can take care of what is most important—recovering from your injury and regaining your health. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.
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