Many people love seeing animals in the wild and learning how they interact with their surroundings. However, we know these creatures can lash out without warning, and most of are taught from an early age to look but not touch. Unfortunately, there are many incidents in California where people come face to face with a wild creature, whether they want to or not. For example, many of us have seen raccoons rummaging through the trash late at night. Sometimes, a brazen coyote will enter someone’s yard and attack the family dog or cat.
Wildlife can also enter commercial properties, like hotels, resorts, and motels. When they do, someone may be injured or killed by a vicious animal attack. Many of us understand the concept of holding a pet owner accountable when their animal bites someone. But what if the source of injury is a wild animal? Those who are attacked need information on their rights and legal options. If you or someone you know was attacked by a wild animal, contact the offices of Normandie Law Firm. We are here to provide answers to all your questions, which may include:
- I was bit by a wild animal during my stay at a hotel / motel / resort. Can I sue?
- Is the hotel liable for a raccoon bite, bear attacks, coyote attacks, and other injuries caused by wildlife?
- If I want to file a lawsuit, what is the deadline according to the laws in California?
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Your Right to Sue the Hotel
We can all agree that wild animals are unpredictable in how they choose to react to a human being. We also have limited control over their movements, which is why they can sometimes appear in someone’s backyard or in the parking lot of a hotel. So, can a business actually be sued if someone is harmed by a wild animal on the property?
The answer is yes in many cases, though the exact circumstances of how and why you were bitten, scratched, etc., will determine the business owner’s liability. But you can be sure that owners of resort, motels, and other multi-unit lodgings are held under stricter liability than a homeowner for the safety of their guest.
Hotels can be held responsible for a wildlife animal attack victim’s injuries when they:
- Are aware of certain wildlife in the area and their potential to cause harm to others.
- Fail to take adequate measures to secure the property (high fencing, chemical deterrents, warning signs, etc.)
- Fail to increase security in the area someone was attacked or killed by a wild animal on the property.
If you or your loved one sustained injuries due to a hotel owner’s negligence, it’s essential to discuss your rights with a personal injury attorney. Please take a moment to contact us and schedule a free case evaluation.
Are They Responsible for my Medical Expenses?
If there was negligence by the motel / hotel / resort owner that resulted in you being attacked by a wild animal, yes, you can sue the business for the cost of medical expenses.
- Wages that are lost during the recovery period
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish (emotional distress)
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
- Legal fees
With decades of experience in hotel liability lawsuits, we can help you obtain all the damages you are entitled to and ensure that you have the right amount of funds to move forward with your life.
Wild Animal Attack Resulting in Death
Tragically, attacks by wild animals like coyotes, snakes, and bears can result in death, even if victim receives medical attention right away. If you have lost a family member to a wild animal attack at a hotel, you may be entitled to wrongful death benefits, which you can learn about during a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
Unlike a personal injury lawsuit, a wrongful death claim is meant to compensate you for the current and future losses resulting from a loved one’s death. These include:
- Funeral expenses
- Cost of medical care up until the date of death
- Loss of expected income, savings, and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Attorney’s fees
For more information on suing a hotel for wrongful death, contact our office and speak to a lawyer that specializes in wild animal attacks.
Statute of Limitations to File a Lawsuit
The general timeline to keep in mind for a hotel liability lawsuit is 2 years, whether you are the injured party or someone whose spouse / family member died from an animal attack.
If you are the one who was attacked by a wild animal, you’ll need to file an accident claim no later than 2 years from the incident date. As the loved one of a deceased victim, the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit is 2 years of when the victim passed away.
Lawyer that Can Sue for a Wild Animal Attack
Proving that a hotel owner is responsible for attacks by wild animals is a complex area of law, and it can be very challenging for those who are injured to succeed in a liability claim. However, justice is within reach when you have an experienced legal team by your side.
Along with our experience and dedication, we offer a Zero Fee Guarantee to anyone that qualified for a hotel accident injury claim. This is our promise to you that you will never pay out of pocket for the cost of legal services. That gets covered by the business owner at the end of your case, and only if we succeed in obtaining a settlement or favorable verdict on your behalf.
To schedule a free review with one of our legal experts, contact our office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Monarch Resort Hotel Accident Injury Attorney
Ace Hotel Rooftop Injury Attorneys
Bitten By A Hotel Guest’s Dog – Can I Sue The Hotel?
