Injured at the Zoo

Escaped animals, unsafe enclosures, slip and fall hazards …your local zoo could pose many dangers to visitors. Over the years, zoo-related incidents have made headlines all over the country. What starts out as a day of fun and education can turn into tragedy when zoos negligently fail to maintain safe premises. If you or your child recently suffered a personal injury in a Texas zoo , here’s what to do.

Right after the incident, report what happened to zoo authorities. Find the nearest zookeeper or other staff member and explain that you would like to talk to a manager about an injury. If the incident involved an escaped animal or someone falling into an enclosure, notify someone right away. Record the name of the staff member you report your accident to, and how he or she responds to the situation. If your injury involved a physical assault by another zoo visitor or employee, call the police as well to report a crime.

The more facts you can write down about your incident, the better. Start documenting information as soon as possible, while it’s still fresh in your mind. Write down the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses, as well as the date and location of the accident. If you have a smartphone, you can record information quickly and easily using the voice memo tool. Take photos, if possible, of the area where the incident occurred, as well as any important details. If you slipped on a spilled drink, for example, take photos of the spill.

Once you leave the zoo, go straight to the hospital or your doctor’s office for a medical examination. Seek treatment for injuries such as broken bones or lacerations right away. If you don’t feel injured, it is still worthwhile to visit a medical center. If you bumped your head or fell the wrong way, you could have a head, brain, or neck injury that hasn’t yet shown symptoms. Prompt medical care can work in your favor should you need to file a claim against the zoo in the future. Keep copies of your medical records, treatment plans, and other documentation of injuries.

The zoo won’t be liable for every single personal injury that happens on its property. However, there are certain types of accidents that will qualify for a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit. In Texas, premises liability laws enable injured persons to hold a property owner responsible for injuries that occur due to defects on the property. If the owners of the zoo knew, or reasonably should have known, about a premises hazard such as a cracked sidewalk, dangerous zoo ride, or unsafe animal enclosure, but did nothing to repair it, the zoo could be liable for visitor injuries.

After an injury at the zoo, seek help from a Houston attorney. If your injury involved animal attacks, defective equipment, or a property hazard, you can likely hold the zoo and/or a product manufacturer responsible for your damages. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with an insurance company, or take your case to court to seek fair damages, if necessary. You may be eligible for compensation for zoo-accident related medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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