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Have You or a Loved One Been Attacked by a Cat in New York City?
Goldberg & Loren are the legal team you need to fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Call Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your peace of mind.
What is a Cat Attack?
While cats are generally considered friendly and loving companions, there are instances where they can exhibit aggressive behavior, leading to harm.
A cat attack refers to a sudden and aggressive act of aggression or assault by a feline. It involves aggressive behavior such as scratching, biting, pouncing, and vocalizing, often as a defensive response or in an attempt to establish dominance or protect territory.
The sharp teeth and claws of a cat can easily tear through skin and tissue, leading to bleeding and potential infection. A bite injury can cause significant physical injuries, including deep puncture wounds, lacerations, and scratches. These injuries may require immediate medical attention, including stitches, wound cleaning, and tetanus shots.
Apart from physical injuries, cat attacks can also result in emotional trauma for the victim. Being attacked by a pet can be a distressing experience, leaving psychological scars that may take time to heal.
Sometimes, a cat may feel angry, threatened, or scared, leading to an aggressive response. Other times, a cat’s playfulness can escalate into an attack. In some instances, medical conditions or previous abuse may contribute to aggressive behavior in cats.
If you have been a victim of a cat attack, seeking legal assistance from our personal injury attorney at Goldberg & Loren can help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.
Data from the United States show that cat bites represent between 5–15% of all animal bites inflicted on humans. [1]
Who Could Sue for a Cat Attack?
- Cat Bite Victim:
The victim of a cat attack has the right to take legal action against the responsible party. This can include anyone who owns, harbors or has control over the cat that caused the attack. In most cases, this would be the cat's owner. If the attack occurred on someone else's property, such as a neighbor's house, the property owner may also be held liable. - Parents or Guardians of Minors:
If a child is the victim of a cat attack, their parents or legal guardians can file a lawsuit on their behalf. Minors are not able to initiate legal proceedings on their own, so it falls upon their parents or guardians to seek justice and compensation for their injuries. - Animal Control or Relevant Authorities:
In some cases, if a cat is known to have a history of aggression or has caused harm in the past, animal control or relevant authorities may have the right to take legal action against the cat owner. This is to ensure the safety of the community and prevent future incidents.
Table of Contents
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What Is a Cat Attack?
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Who Could Sue for a Cat Attack?
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What Types of Damages Can Be Pursued in a Cat Attack Lawsuit?
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Duty of Care Owed by Cat-Owners in New York City
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Types of Evidence Needed To Prove Negligence After a Cat Attack in NYC
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How a New York City Cat Attack Lawyer Can Help Victims of Cat Attacks
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The Statute of Limitations on Filing a Claim After a Cat Attack in NYC
Related Information
What Types of Damages Can Be Pursued in a Cat Attack Lawsuit?
Medical Expenses:
One of the most common types of damages sought in a cat attack lawsuit is compensation for medical expenses. Cat bites and scratches can not only cause immediate injuries but also lead to infections and complications in the future.
The injured person can seek reimbursement for all medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Pain and Suffering:
Cat attacks can result in significant pain and suffering for the victim. They may experience physical pain, scarring, disfigurement, and the need for ongoing medical treatments. The emotional trauma associated with the attack can also be profound.
Damages for pain and suffering are meant to compensate the victim for the physical and emotional anguish endured as a result of the attack.
Lost Wages:
If the injuries sustained in the cat attack prevent the victim from working, they may be entitled to seek compensation for lost wages. This includes both the income they have already lost due to their inability to work and any future loss of earning capacity resulting from their injuries.
Property Damage:
In some instances, a cat attack can lead to property damage. For example, if the cat damages personal belongings, such as clothing or electronic devices, during the attack, the victim can seek reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing those items.
Legal Fees:
Pursuing a cat-attack lawsuit often entails legal costs. Depending on the situation, the injured party may be able to seek compensation for the reasonable costs associated with hiring a cat attack lawyer, filing fees, court expenses, and any other incurred legal fees.
Duty of Care Owed by Cat-Owners in New York City
The duty of care refers to the legal obligation to exercise reasonable care when owning or caring for a cat. This duty extends to both preventing foreseeable harm and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of others.
In other words, cat owners and caretakers are required to act reasonably and responsibly to prevent their cats from causing harm to people or property.
One aspect of the duty of care involves proper supervision and control of cats. Pet owners and caretakers should ensure that their cats do not roam freely without supervision, especially in public spaces or areas with a high likelihood of encounters with other individuals.
Cats should be kept within enclosed areas or on leashes when outside of the owner’s property, minimizing the risk of sudden attacks or aggressive behavior.
Owners and caretakers need to follow local laws and regulations regarding cats. This includes licensing requirements, vaccination protocols, and leash laws. By adhering to these regulations, owners, and caretakers can help prevent situations that may lead to potential harm.
Types of Evidence Needed To Prove Negligence After a Cat Attack in NYC
- Medical Records:
After a cat attack, it is important to promptly seek medical attention. Medical records that provide information about the injuries and treatment are important evidence. These records can be used to determine the extent of the injuries and connect them directly to the cat attack. - Photographs or Videos:
Visual evidence can be highly persuasive in proving negligence. Photographs or videos of the injuries, the location where the attack took place, and any visible signs of negligence or lack of supervision can provide compelling evidence. - Witness Statements:
Eyewitness testimony can play a role in establishing negligence. Statements from individuals who witnessed the cat attack can provide firsthand accounts of the events leading up to the attack, the owner or caretaker's conduct, and any signs of negligence. - Veterinary Records:
If the attacking cat has a history of aggression or previous incidents, obtaining veterinary records can help establish a pattern and demonstrate the owner's knowledge of the cat's dangerous propensities. These records can be good in proving that the owner had reason to know the cat posed a risk to others. - Local Laws and Regulations:
Familiarity with the relevant local laws and regulations surrounding cat ownership in New York City is essential. Any violations of licensing requirements, leash laws, or vaccination protocols can be strong evidence of negligence on the part of the owner or caretaker. - Expert Testimony:
Expert testimony can provide valuable insights into cat behavior and the standards of care expected from cat owners and caretakers. Animal behaviorists or veterinarians with expertise in cat behavior may be called upon to testify and offer an opinion on whether the owner or caretaker's conduct met the expected standard of care. - Prior Complaints or Incidents:
Any documented complaints or previous incidents involving the cat or the owner can be useful evidence in establishing a pattern of negligence. This information can support the argument that the owner had knowledge of the cat's dangerous tendencies but failed to take appropriate action.
How a New York City Cat Attack Lawyer Can Help Victims of Cat Attacks
You may require extensive medical care, including surgeries and rehabilitative treatments, to recover from your injuries. In such cases, our cat attack lawyers can help you pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred as a result of the attack.
Navigating the complex laws and regulations surrounding cat ownership in New York City can be challenging. Our knowledgeable bite lawyers at Goldberg & Loren will have a deep understanding of the relevant local laws and regulations.
We will leverage any violations of licensing requirements, leash laws, or vaccination protocols as strong evidence of negligence on the part of the owner or caretaker.
The Statute of Limitations on Filing a Claim After a Cat Attack in NYC
The statute of limitations refers to the time limit within which you must initiate legal action to seek compensation for your injuries. In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including cat attacks, is generally three years from the date of the incident. [2]
Failing to file a claim within the specified time period can result in the dismissal of your case, making it essential to act promptly and consult with a cat attack lawyer.
Have You or Someone You Know Been Bitten by a Cat in New York City?
Goldberg & Loren are the top cat attack lawyers in the city, specializing in helping victims receive fair compensation for their injuries. With our extensive experience and deep knowledge of the law, we are here to fight for your rights and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
If you’ve suffered a cat attack, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. Our dedicated team will guide you through the legal process, advocating for your rights and working tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation possible. You deserve the peace of mind and the opportunity to move forward from this traumatic experience.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal steps toward obtaining the compensation and justice you need. Don’t wait; your rights matter, and we are here to fight for you.
Sources:
[1] Cat bite – Wikipedia. (2017, December 1). Cat Bite – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_bite
[2] NYS Open Legislation | NYSenate.gov. (n.d.). NYS Open Legislation | NYSenate.gov. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/214
We fight fiercely for our clients who have been victims of cat attacks in New York City. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to securing maximum compensation. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
