A Good Attorney Is Very Important after a Car Accident

Getting bitten or attacked by an exotic animal can be traumatic, and it can cause serious injury. If a neighbor or friend has an exotic pet that attacks you, you'll want to know which steps you can take to protect yourself from medical costs and get any payments you are entitled to. Here are a few things you should know after experiencing this type of attack.

Medical Treatment

No matter which type of animal that attacks you, it's important to get medical treatment as soon as possible. Knowing which type of animal was involved can help doctors and first responders render the appropriate type of aid. For example, if you are bitten by a venomous snake, such as a copperhead or rattlesnake, you'll want to tell the doctors what type of snake you were bitten by, as this will help to provide you with the correct antidote and follow-up care. Be sure to keep all documentation from your medical visits so your personal injury attorney can help to build your case. 

Insurance

If the injury happens in the pet owner's home, his or her homeowner's insurance may cover your medical costs and other related expenses. This may depend on the type of animal the owner has and whether or not the insurance company was aware of the animal's presence in the home. In some cases, the pet owner may have a separate animal insurance policy to cover potential injuries caused by the pet. Be sure to ask whether or not the owner has coverage in the event of an attack. If he or she indicates there is no coverage, you may want to consider contacting a personal injury attorney.

Police Involvement

In some cases, the exotic pet that attacks you may be illegal to own. Each state has different laws, and the laws can even vary depending on where you live in your state. In Louisiana, it is illegal to own non-human primates, wolf-dog hybrids, and cats that are cross-bred with certain exotic cat breeds, as well as several other types of animals. If you are attacked by an animal that is illegal to own in your area, you may want to contact the police, as this could help to prevent others from being injured as well.   

Once you have gotten the proper medical treatment for your injuries, contact a personal injury attorney that specializes in this type of injury. Click here for info on this topic.