Can I Sue If I Am Bitten By A Cat?

Dogs are the most popular household pet in the United States, with Chihuahuas being the most common breed found in Arizona. The second most popular pet, cats, aren’t known for being aggressive and causing severe injuries. But it is still possible to be attacked by a cat and sustain serious injuries. You might have heard of a dog bite lawsuit, but is it possible to pursue a claim when the perpetrator is a cat instead? Read on to learn more about this rare and specific type of injury claim in Arizona. If you’re seeking an experienced dog bite lawyer to take your Phoenix or Tucson injury claim, call 602-600-6001 for your free phone consultation. 

Cat Liability vs. Dog Liability

Dog bites are much more common injury claims than cat bites, and each state has its own laws regarding dog bite liability. You may be familiar with Arizona’s standard, which is strict liability. According to A.R.S. § 11-1025, a dog owner is liable for all damages arising from a dog bite (not including home invasion, self-defense, etc.), whether or not they were aware that their dog had vicious propensities. Some states instead use a “one-bite” rule, in which the owner gets one free pass on the first bite, and is liable for damages from a second and subsequent bite. But Arizona’s dog bite law is exactly that- a dog bite law. It specifically says “dog” instead of “pet” or “household animal,” meaning it won’t apply in a cat bite situation. Here, a claimant should instead apply Arizona’s general negligence rules. The claimant needs to show that the cat owner knew the cat was aggressive or had a bite history and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. 

Diseases Cats Can Spread

In cat bite situations, the concern is less bodily trauma from the bite itself and more about the risk for infection. A cat bite can quickly turn into a more serious health concern if left untreated, especially if the cat is carrying a communicable disease. Some of the illnesses a human can catch from a cat attack include:

• Cat scratch fever: Also known as cat scratch disease, this is a bacterial infection a human can incur from a cat scratch or bite. Cats pick up the disease when bitten by infected fleas. It can cause bumps or a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in humans. In most cases, it will go away on its own after a few weeks or months, but in severe cases, it can spread to other organs and cause eye inflammation, swelling in the liver and spleen, heart failure, and more. Those with weaker immune systems are more at risk of serious complications, and a doctor can diagnose the issue by examining the wound, skin irritation, and lymph nodes. 
• Pasteurella: The majority of cats have a zoonotic bacteria known as Pasteurella multocida present in their saliva. An infection from this bacteria will typically become symptomatic within 24 hours of the bite. Minor symptoms include swelling, pus drainage, and tenderness, but severe cases can result in cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating bacteria disease. Other complications include meningitis, pneumonia, and arthritis, so the elderly, very young, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of this type of infection. 
• Rabies: Thankfully, it is very rare in the United States for a housecat to have rabies due to vaccinations. However, this disease is deadly if not treated almost immediately in humans, and is often costly and not covered by health insurance. Some of the signs a cat may display when infected with rabies include increased aggression and other behavioral changes, drooling or foaming at the mouth, and muscle paralysis. This deadly affliction is the reason that cats without vaccination records must be quarantined and lab tested after attacking a human. 

What To Do After a Cat Attack

After any type of accident, the first thing the victim should do is assess their injuries and seek medical care. In a cat bite situation, one can expect injuries to be on the milder end of the spectrum. But the injured person can still take pictures of their injuries, and pictures and videos showing the cat’s state, at the scene of the attack. You should rinse the wound, wash it with soap and water, and apply a bandage and antibiotic ointment, if you have it. Experts recommend seeking medical attention from a professional within 8 hours of a cat bite. If the bite is serious, the doctor will determine your next course of action. Follow the doctor’s instructions to the best of your ability, and seek counsel from a legal professional as soon as possible to begin the process of pursuing compensation for your damages. 

Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-1014

A.R.S. § 11-1014 lays out some of the consequences of a pet or animal attack in Arizona. It applies to dogs, cats, and includes specifications for livestock, caged pet rodents and rabbits, and more. After a dog or cat bite, if the animal is unvaccinated, it must be quarantined for at least 10 days in a pound or veterinary hospital, at the expense of the owner. A vaccinated pet can be quarantined at the owner’s home. One of six conditions must be met for a quarantined pet to be released to its owner:

1. The dog has a current dog license upon entering the pound
2. The dog or cat was spayed or neutered before impound or before release, with a microchip implanted
3. There is no veterinary facility available to perform a spay or neuter on the pet within 20 miles of the pound
4. A veterinarian determines that the spay or neuter surgery must be postponed until it can be performed in a safe manner
5. The bite occurred at the owner’s home, and the victim was a household member
6. The owner pays a $50 fee plus any other applicable costs

If a person is bitten by an animal, wild or domestic, that has behavior indicating rabies, the animal will need to undergo laboratory testing. This also applies if the bite occurred in an area that contained a rabies epizootic. If the animal has rabies or is determined to be vicious, there may be an order issued to euthanize the animal. Notice will be provided to the owner and victim about a hearing on the matter. 

Looking To File An Injury Claim After An Animal Attack In Arizona? Contact Our Firm For Your Free Consultation By Phone

Serious injuries can occur in the most unexpected ways, including through an attack by a cat, dog, or other household pet. A claimant here has many complex laws and procedures to navigate in order to receive compensation for their damages. They may be forced to do so while experiencing painful symptoms from a cat-borne infection and rigorous medical treatments. A Mesa injury lawyer can relieve the burdens of a legal claim and assist their client in obtaining a higher award, even after a reasonable attorney’s fee. Have you been injured by a cat, dog, or any other household pet or domesticated animal in Arizona? Our firm provides skillful representation with one of the lowest contingency fees offered in Phoenix and Tucson. Get started today with your free consultation today – call 602-600-6001 for more information.