Claiming Compensation for a Zoo Accident

Generally, zoos are safe and fun places to visit. However, there are certain hazards that you could encounter – either as a customer or as an employee of a zoo. If you have had an accident at a zoo, talk to us about zoo claims.

If you were involved in an accident in the last three years that was not your fault, then you may be able to claim compensation.

Please note, there is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim. This time limit begins from the date that the accident occurred. You should contact us as soon as possible to assess your case.

Zoo Accidents

When near wild animals, there is a risk of being attacked and suffering injuries such as bite marks, scratches and cuts or more serious injuries.

If your animal attack was due to someone else’s negligence, such as a staff member forgetting to close a particular hatch which usually contains animals to a certain area while performing a specific task, or if a safety mechanism failed, then you may be able to claim compensation.

You could also contract an illness due to coming into contact with animals – the most common illness that could occur is E.coli. These types of illnesses are most likely to occur at petting zoos where both staff members and customers are in close proximity to animals but illnesses could also be contracted at more general zoos for staff members.

You could also experience a more general accident type of accident which could occur in any public place. In particular, a slip, trip and fall accident could happen at a zoo. If a spillage was not cleaned up by a staff member after they were notified about it or if a sign was not placed near a recently cleaned floor to indicate it was wet, you could be able to claim for the zoo’s negligence.

Fatal Accidents

While this is fairly rare, an accident in a zoo could tragically lead to a fatal injury – particularly for staff members who are more likely to suffer an animal attack in general. In a case where an accident has led to death, there are three different legal bodies who would be able to claim compensation: the deceased’s estate, those who were dependent upon the deceased, and the deceased’s immediate family.

Protections for Zoo Employees

All employers have a duty of care to ensure the safety of their employees – as specifically set out by the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act. However, there are specific legal regulations and guidelines which apply to working in a zoo. These guidelines include providing adequate and correct training, equipment and any necessary clothing to ensure that every staff member is informed about protocol and is best prepared to do their job.

If you believe that your employer has not carried out any of these types of safety regulations, and you have experienced an injury as a result, then you could be able to claim compensation against them for this negligence.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT AT A ZOO?

• Report the incident to a staff member so they can make an official record of it in their accident book.
• Take photos of what has happened-injuries and the scene of the accident.
• Get the details of any witnesses to the accident.
• Evidence of a loss of earnings if your injury has resulted in you needing time off work. Documents related to other financial expenditures connected to your injuries may also be required. This could include travel receipts to and from medical appointments.
• Seek medical attention

AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION IN CLAIMS AGAINST A ZOO

All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. The amount of compensation that is awarded is determined by looking at two specific factors – general damages and special damages.

GENERAL DAMAGES

The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused is the main factor that is used to determine how much compensation you are owed.

SPECIAL DAMAGES

However, compensation also takes into account any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries, such as a loss of earnings due to being unable to return to work.

CLAIMS AGAINST A ZOO, START YOUR CLAIM TODAY

To learn more and to discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our team on 0800 342 3206. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.