5 Ways Pets Can Be Involved With Personal Injury Cases
Animals are often a big part of our lives, even when suffering a traumatic event like a personal injury. Whether it's through the actual injury or effects that occur after an injury, pets and animals can become an essential part of the case. When working with a personal injury attorney, it's important to consider the various factors that can attribute to pets.
There are five different ways that pets can be involved with personal injury cases. Depending on the actual case, more than one of the following instances may occur in a single case.
Animal Attacks
One of the more common ways that pets are involved with injury cases is through an attack. This is when the animal is the actual cause of the injury. When this occurs, the owner of the animal is usually to blame for the damages caused. A pet can cause physical and emotional pain with an attack.
As an attack occurs, there are multiple factors to consider. Your lawyer will help figure out why the attack happened, what could have been done to prevent it, and the full scale of the attack. These types of injury cases usually involves animals like dogs, but it can branch out to additional animals like zoo animals, petting zoos, or animals available at a pet shop.
Pet Obstacles
Sometimes it's not the pet that is directly involved with the case, but rather the enclosures and accessories that are made for pets. The following examples can all cause personal injuries.
- Pet Leashes: While the dog may not attack, it's easy to trip and get seriously injured over a large pet leash. Thicker leashes made of chain can cause even more damage.
- Fish Tanks: Restaurants, pet stores, and personal homes are common places to find fish tanks. Slipping and falling through a glass tank can cause serious cuts and damage due to the shattered glass.
- Farm Fencing: Farms may use electric fences to help keep cattle or sheep reigned in. Without proper signage, you could easily become a victim to a horrible electric shock.
Pets & Car Crashes
An extension of your own personal injury could be the injury to your own pet, especially when they are involved in car accidents. While riding in a car, pet's often do not have the same security and protection as the driver. Even when placed into a pet carrier, a car crash can send the carrier flying and cause injuries to the pet.
When working with a personal injury lawyer, your pet injuries during a car accident will also be taken into account. This includes pet bills, possible death of your animal, and any post-accident problems. Along with the injuries, this can be added to your pain and suffering statements.
Loss of Proper Pet Care
After a serious personal injury, one of the most important steps is getting healthy again and properly healing from injuries. During this time, you may lose the ability to complete everyday functions like working, cooking, and taking care of your pet. Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility and owners may have to give up pets due to a traumatic injury.
Along with not being able to afford pet food, an injury may leave you physically unable to walk your pet or give them the proper attention. All of these factors can become a part of your case as your personal injury attorney tries to settle.
Pet Therapy
Even if you don't own pets, they could become a big part of your personal injury case. Pet therapy animals are often hired to comfort and heal patients going through a variety of injuries. This includes pet visits, guide dogs, or animals to offer personal home protection and security.
The costs of this pet therapy will be directly included in your personal injury case. They are a direct cause of the injury and you should be compensated for the services.
Consult with your lawyer about any of the possible pet involvements with your case. Even the smallest details can have a huge effect on the way your case unfolds.
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