Animal Attack Attorneys

Animal attacks on humans are some of the most heartbreaking and devastating events that our attorneys see.  Not only are they sudden and unexpected, but the consequences and impacts often last many years into the future.  The most severe animal attacks result in physical injuries to the skin, muscles, bones, and even internal organs. Such attacks often result in surgeries and extensive treatment. Yet, the emotional impacts are often even more difficult and frequently include terrible nightmares, fear of animals, and even an unwillingness to attend events at which animals may be present.   If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by someone else’s animal, we are very sorry, and want to help you put the pieces back together.

Common Types of Animals That Attack

It should come as no surprise that the most common types of animal attacks are perpetrated by dogs.  And while certain breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers, and Mastiff’s are often labeled as more dangerous, very serious and fatal attacks have been reported for many others and are often more dependent on a canine’s training, sex, neuter status, and behavioral traits.

Of course, dogs are not the only animals that pose danger to humans.  Over the years, we have seen serious attacks by other animals kept by persons.  The U.S. has seen a rise in people keeping exotic animals as pets, including monkeys, large cats such as tigers and bobcats, and snakes.  Simply stated, under the right circumstances, any animal is capable of attacking an unsuspecting human and causing serious injuries, or worse.

What to Do After an Animal Attack

The best course of action after an animal attack will depend on many factors, including the seriousness of injuries, location, and your relationship with the pet owner.  However, the following should almost always be done as a way to speed physical recovery as well as protect your legal rights.

• Obtain medical treatment. This means immediately receiving care by a trained professional and may also include taking x-rays, cleaning and stitching lacerations, surgeries, administering a tetanus shot, and prescribing pain or antibiotic medication.
• File a police report. You should contact the police and report the incident. In many jurisdictions, healthcare providers will notify the local authorities, especially if an exotic animal was involved.  Therefore, do not be alarmed if you are contacted by animal control or the county Marshall.  Tell them you want to file a report of the incident and provide them with the details of the attack.  However, do not admit to anything you believe was your fault, and do not downplay your injuries as the extent of them is often unknown immediately after the attack.
• Do not speak with any insurance companies. While insurers would like you to believe they are on your side when tragedy strikes, that is often not the case.  You will lose no rights by refusing to talk with an insurance company representative prior to consulting with an attorney.
• Contact an experienced attorney. Lawyers that specialize in animal attack cases will provide you with a free consultation and advise you about the next best steps for being treated fairly and recovering just compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Document everything. Keep written records of all information about the attack, including actions of those involved, conversations, and anything else leading up to the event or transpiring after it.

How an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney Can Help

Because animal attacks are somewhat uncommon – at least compared to injuries from events such as car accidents – it can be difficult to recognize everything a qualified attorney can do to protect your rights.  But rest assured that the best animal attack lawyers bring significant benefits to the clients they represent.  The legal professionals with whom you are matched by Attorney Client Match will ensure that:

• Your claim is filed timely, both with the insurance company and court, should litigation become necessary.
• The event is fully investigated. This is incredibly important.  Law enforcement, pet owners, and insurance providers rarely conduct complete and thorough investigations in these cases.  We will.  That includes collecting and preserving video footage, witness statements, veterinary records, registrations with local municipalities, incidences of prior aggression or bites, and more.
• All applicable laws are researched and correctly applied to your case. This includes requirements related to leash laws, pet enclosures, rabies shots, and other laws or regulations that apply at the national, state, and local level.
• Negotiate with insurance companies. Simply stated, you do not want to take on a big insurance company without the help of a skilled personal injury attorney.
• Most animal attack cases are settled prior to trial.  However, should it become necessary, an experienced law firm will be willing to go as far as necessary to ensure you obtain justice.

Contact Experienced Animal Attack Legal Help Today

If you or a family member has been victimized by an aggressive animal, contact the team at Attorney Client Match today.  We will work to make sure you receive high-quality and dedicated legal representation for your claim.  But please do not delay.  Deadlines to apply to all types of personal injury cases, including dog bites and other types of vicious animal attacks.  We look forward to talking with you soon.