Despite the widespread media coverage that shark attacks receive (and the fact that it is once again Shark Week), shark attacks are extremely uncommon and not usually as fatal as Hollywood might have us believe they are. In addition, different sharks swim to different songs at different times. Discuss all your case personal injury FAQ with a certified lawyer.
However, the danger posed by sharks is quite real and unsettling for people who spend their time in the ocean engaging in activities like surfing and paddleboarding.
Who Is Responsible When a Shark Bites Someone?
When it comes to domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, their owners can be held legally liable for their misdeeds. In that event, has someone elses negligence caused your injuries? Yes, it has. Therefore, you have the option of receiving compensation for your damages. However, in the case of free-ranging animals like sharks, the same rule does not apply. No one is responsible for the welfare or actions of these creatures as long as they are not confined or “kept” by people. Wild animal attacks almost always occur in their natural habitats.
If you knowingly engage in actions that could provoke a wild animal, such as feeding a shark, and you are injured as a result, you may still have a personal injury claim depending on the circumstances. For example, lawyers from Lowry & Associates and similar other firms could assess whether adequate warnings were provided by nearby establishments or whether negligence played a role, such as a beach failing to display shark advisory notices. In more tragic cases, like wrongful death caused by a shark attack in an area known for frequent sightings, they could help determine if liability extends to entities responsible for maintaining safety in the vicinity.
It’s hard to imagine anyone entering the water without understanding the risks posed by sharks or other marine animals. However, knowing the law and acting responsibly can help prevent both injuries and potential legal consequences.
What About Companies That Offer Guided Shark Tours?
When wild animals are present, it is impossible to guarantee the total safety of guided tours. But can you sue? Let’s say one of the tour participants was bitten in the calf by a shark during the excursion. The injured plaintiff hired Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys or similarly qualified lawyers and filed a lawsuit against the trip operator, stating that it was the tour guide’s fault or negligence that led to the shark attacking you and injuring you severely, not to mention the trauma. In such an instance, what decision will the judge make? What happens next is still up in the air, but your chances are good.
Visits to aquariums are arguably the safest and most enjoyable way to experience the ocean’s wonders, despite the fact that swimming with sharks is a risky activity that might easily result in injury. On the other hand, if a shark attacks you, it is important to find out if someone could be held legally liable for the incident.