What Happens if I Get Injured at the Zoo in Phoenix, AZ?

October 18, 2024 | Personal Injury

What Happens if I Get Injured at the Zoo in Phoenix, AZ?

Sustaining a personal injury is always stressful, but it can be even more overwhelming if you were hurt in a public place like the zoo in Phoenix, Arizona. While you may know that you can file a legal claim for compensation against the responsible party, you might not fully understand your specific rights and options.

Since Arizona personal injury law generally allows you to file a lawsuit after an accident—regardless of who the at-fault party is—you may be entitled to monetary damages. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process. Until then, read on for more information.

Premises Liability Law in Arizona

Your case will likely fall under premises liability law, which is a subset of personal injury law. Property owners and managers, whether public or private, must keep their premises reasonably safe. The measures they must take depend on whether the visitor is considered an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.

Invitees

Invitees are people who enter a property for business purposes or for a reason that benefits both parties. When you visit the zoo, you are considered an invitee because you pay an admission fee, and the zoo benefits from your visit. 

Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, which includes regularly inspecting the premises for hazards and addressing them promptly.

Licensees

Licensees are people who enter a property for their own purposes but with the owner’s permission. An example would be visiting a friend’s house for dinner. The owner must warn licensees of any known dangers that are not obvious.

Trespassers

Trespassers enter a property without permission. Property owners generally owe a limited duty of care to trespassers, mainly to avoid willful or wanton harm. However, there are exceptions, especially involving children under the attractive nuisance doctrine.

What You Should Do After an Injury at the Phoenix Zoo

If you are injured at the zoo in Phoenix, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights and interests.

  • Report the incident: Notify zoo staff or management about your accident and injuries as soon as possible.
  • Avoid admitting fault: Do not apologize or accept blame for the accident, as doing so could hurt your claim.
  • Collect evidence: If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazards that contributed to the incident.
  • Seek medical attention: Get medical treatment promptly. Medical records can serve as important evidence for your claim.

From here, it’s advisable to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. They can help you understand your rights and the steps you need to take.

The zoo, as a property owner, has a duty to maintain a safe environment for its visitors. If the zoo’s negligence led to your injury, you may have grounds to file a legal claim for compensation. 

Examples of negligence could include:

  • Unsafe conditions: Wet floors without warning signs, broken railings, or uneven walkways.
  • Animal attacks: If proper safety measures were not in place to prevent animal escapes or attacks.
  • Lack of maintenance: Failure to repair or maintain equipment, exhibits, or facilities.

Proving negligence involves showing that the zoo knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take appropriate action to fix it.

A Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After an Accident at the Zoo

If you sustain an injury at the zoo in Phoenix, there are two important things to know. First, you may be able to file a legal claim for compensation. Second, you may need to act promptly due to legal time limits known as statutes of limitations.

Most Phoenix personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so it is in your best interest to reach out as soon as possible. They can evaluate your case, advise you on your options, and help you navigate the legal process.

Contact the Arizona Personal Injury Lawyers at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.

Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
1221 E Osborn Rd UNIT 201, Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 595-5559