If you or a loved one has sustained injuries due to a cat bite, infected cat scratch or other cat attack injuries, we can help. Our Fort Lauderdale cat attack lawyers will help you get the compensation your injury requires. Call us today at (954) 758-4553 for a free consultation with a cat attack attorney.
Definition of a Cat Attack
A cat attack refers to any incident where a cat aggressively acts out and causes harm to a person. Similar to the definition of a vicious dog, a cat attack involves a feline that aggressively menaces and inflicts harm upon a person. There are over 400,000 reported cat bites each year in the US, although the actual number of bites is likely higher due to under-reporting. [1] This common occurrence of cat attacks can result in injuries ranging from minor scratches to more severe injuries, such as deep bites or claw marks.Types of Cat Attacks in Fort Lauderdale
There are several different types of cat attacks, each with its own underlying cause and triggers.
- Play aggression: This is the most common type of cat aggression, and it typically occurs when a cat is overstimulated during play. Play aggression can involve biting, scratching, and pouncing.
- Fear aggression: This type of aggression is caused by a cat's fear of something, such as a new person, animal, or object. Fearful cats may attack as a way of defending themselves, or they may simply try to escape from the situation.
- Petting-induced aggression: This type of aggression occurs when a cat becomes overstimulated from being petted. Some cats have a lower tolerance for petting than others, and they may become aggressive if they are petted too much or in the wrong way.
- Redirected aggression: This type of aggression is caused by an exciting stimulus that a cat cannot directly respond to. For example, a cat may see a bird outside the window and become excited, but it cannot reach the bird. Instead, the cat may redirect its aggression to something else, such as a person or another animal.
- Territorial aggression: This type of aggression is caused by a cat's need to defend its territory. Cats may become territorial towards other animals or even people whom they perceive as a threat to their territory.
- Maternal aggression: This type of aggression is shown by female cats who are protecting their kittens. Mother cats may become aggressive towards anything or anyone that they perceive as a threat to their kittens.
- Medical aggression: This type of aggression is caused by a medical condition, such as pain or illness. Cats in pain may lash out at people or animals in an attempt to protect themselves. [2]
Liability in Cat Attack Cases
There are several types of liability that may be at issue in a cat attack case. These include:- Owner negligence: An animal owner may be held liable for a cat attack if they were negligent in failing to control their cat or prevent it from attacking someone. For example, if a pet owner knows that their cat has a history of aggression and fails to take steps to prevent it from biting or scratching someone, they may be held liable for any animal bites and injuries that result.
- Landlord liability: A landlord may be held liable for a cat attack if they knew or should have known that the cat was a danger to tenants or other visitors. For example, if a landlord or owner of a private property has received complaints about a cat's aggressive behavior and fails to take steps to address the issue, they may be held liable for any injuries that result.
- Breach of warranty: If a cat breeder or seller sells a cat with a known history of aggression, they may be held liable for breach of warranty if the cat attacks someone.
Why You Need a Fort Lauderdale Cat Attack Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a cat attack in Fort Lauderdale, the experienced Fort Lauderdale animal attack lawyers at Goldberg & Loren can help. Dealing with the aftermath of a cat attack can be emotionally and legally overwhelming. Having our hard-hitting lawyers by your side can make all the difference in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve in your lawsuit. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers will assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to build a strong bite claim for compensation. We will interview witnesses, gather medical records, and collect any other evidence needed to identify negligent parties and hold them responsible. Our cat attack attorneys handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement. From medical bills for treatment and medication to potential reconstructive surgery, the financial impact of a cat attack can be significant. Emotional trauma is also a common consequence of these attacks. Our cat bite lawyers will help you seek compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured. Contact Goldberg & Loren law firm today to schedule a free consultation and start your journey towards justice.Sources:
[1] Prevent Bite Wounds. (n.d.). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/prevention/Pages/Prevent-Bite-Wounds.aspx
[2] Feline Behavior Problems: Aggression. (2023, August 23). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
