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?
In contrast to domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, whose owners can be held legally liable for their misdeeds, sharks are free-ranging animals. No one is in charge of or responsible for the welfare of these creatures as long as they are not confined by people or “kept” by them. When wild animals attack, it is almost always in their natural habitat that the incident takes place.
It is difficult to believe that someone would enter the water without being informed of the possibility of being attacked by sharks or any animal that lives in the water.
The catch is that if you “entice” a wild animal by offering it food and someone else is injured. As a result, you could be held liable for their injuries and could face criminal penalties depending on the laws of your state. If you “entice” a wild animal by offering it food, you could be held liable for its injuries.
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? One of the tour participants was bitten in the calf by a shark during the excursion. The injured plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the trip operator, stating that the tour guide was intoxicated and that he or she had thrown bait so that it led the shark directly to the plaintiff. What decision will the judge make? What happens next is still up in the air.
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.