Avoiding Personal Injury by Animals
Many of us are animal lovers and adore our pets. It can come as a horrible shock if your beloved pet is suddenly found to have injured someone through an attack or by causing an accident. Keeping your pet secure from the possibility of injuring others is simply responsible pet ownership.
If you have a dog, no matter how loving and friendly, you need to keep him or her secure. Wandering dogs often cause accidents on the road. You may even be liable if a child becomes frightened of your dog and slips and hurts themselves. Keep your dog fenced at all times, and always have them on a leash if you are out. A huge number of dog injuries occur at beaches and in parks. There may well be exercise areas where you live where your dog is free to roam free. Check whether these areas protect you in any way from personal injury liability.
In some areas you may be protected from personal injury responsibility if your dog, or other animal, injures someone on your property as long as you have a Beware of the dog (or whatever animal) clearly posted. This is not the case everywhere though. Take the time to check your local laws.
While dog bites may be the most common form of personal injury by animals they are certainly not the only ones. It is surprising how many people can suffer from cat attacks or bites. Make sure your cat is vaccinated, not only to keep them healthy but to help avoid the spread of disease from scratches or bites. Cat bites can infect very quickly and if your cat bites someone else you may find yourself responsible for paying their medical bills.
Pet birds, poultry and ducks have also been known to attack humans. If you have visitors to your home, be sure they understand how to treat your birds, or better yet have your birds safely caged so there is no possibility of injury. Rodents and reptiles are no exception either. You never know when your peace loving rat may be frightened into biting. If you have a horse, think carefully before allowing others to ride or pet him.
Keeping your pet secure when others are around is just good common sense, particularly when children are involved. Without meaning to children can often frighten pets and find themselves injured. We all love to show off our pets and their wonderful natures but there is always an element of risk involved.
If at any time you feel you are going to put your pet in a position where injury is possible it may be worth taking out insurance. If you keep exotic pets this is almost essential. No one wants to go through the trauma of facing liability but it can and does happen. Show your pets you care for them. Keep them well trained, safe and secure for their own protection as well as for others safety.
For More Information Please Visit: The Weinstein Law Firm’s Website, Serving Southern Florida.
