Yes. If the cat was kept by an owner and was not a feral or wild animal, then the owner of the cat is responsible for your injuries, according to the Illinois Animal Control Act.
While most domestic animal injury cases occur because of dog bites or dog attacks, the Illinois Animal Control Act is clear. The owners of any domestic animal—feline, canine, or other species—are responsible when their pet hurts someone else. The law begins with the following specific language, “When a dog or other animal…” and state courts have interpreted the law to include pets other than dogs.
Thus, the owner of a cat is responsible if that cat caused your injury as long as the bite, scratch, or attack occurred while you were peacefully conducting yourself in a place where you had a legal right to be and you did not provoke the cat.
How to Protect Your Fair Recovery
If you can prove that the cat owner is legally responsible for your injuries and your recovery then you can protect your rights by:
- Getting the necessary medical care.
- Watching what you say to the cat owner, his attorney, or his insurance company.
- Understanding your own rights.
- Standing up for your rights by pursuing a legal claim.
If you are successful in your case, then you may be able to recover damages for your past, current and future…
- Medical expenses.
- Lost income.
- Out-of-pocket costs.
- Pain and suffering.
- Other damages related to your cat bite injury.
These damages can allow you to get the care that you need and prevent you from suffering the financial consequences of your injuries when it was someone else’s cat who hurt you. If you have any questions about your recovery, then please start a free live chat with us today to get more information.
