When many people think of animal attacks, their first thought is usually of an unleashed dog or a larger animal becoming violent. But what about cats? Cat bites and attacks can be just as serious as those from dogs, causing severe puncture wounds, scratches, and bacterial infections which can sometimes require hospitalization. As such, cat owners can often be held liable for any damages that their animal should inflict in the event they should attack another person. If you have been bitten by another person’s cat, it is imperative you seek medical attention immediately and contact an attorney to pursue full and fair compensation.
Owner Liability for Cat Bites
California is a “strict liability” state in regards to animal attacks, meaning that an owner cannot escape liability for a cat bite by claiming that they had no knowledge of their animal’s aggression. Cat owners can be held responsible for all damages resulting from a cat attack even if the cat has never bitten or scratched anyone before. The only element that an injured party must prove is that the attack occurred in a public are, or that the attack occurred while lawfully in a private place.
You may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Costs of surgery
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Permanent disfigurement
You do not need to show that the cat owner acted negligently or failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the bite. You will only need to take these extra steps to prove your case if you were injured by a cat, but not by a bite. For example, say your neighbor’s cat jumped on your child while they were playing on the sidewalk, severely scratching their eye. In this situation, you would need to show that the cat owner acted negligently in some way which led to the attack, such as letting the cat roam the neighborhood freely.
Powerful Representation for Victims of Animal Attacks
If you have been injured in any sort of animal attack, our knowledgeable Sacramento personal injury attorneys at Eliot Reiner, APLC can provide the strong counsel you need to maximize your financial recovery. Having secured millions on behalf of injured clients throughout Northern California, our experienced advocates understand the laws that apply to your situation and can ensure your best interests are guarded during this time. Call (916) 778-3228 or get in touch with us online to get started.