Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    4

    Default Child Bitten by a Rat at a Pet Store

    My question involves injury or loss that occurred in the state of: Kansas

    I have a question. My son and I were at Petland and he was bit by a rat in a wire cage sitting on the floor by the register. I was just a few feet away from him when it happened. He started crying and said the rat had bit his finger. He was bleeding everywhere. They just had this rat in a wire cage for anybody to stick there fingers in. I took him to the hospital, and they called animal control. They did move the rat after we went back up there. The staff was rude saying what do you want us to do about it. It just makes me so mad. Can we sue them for anything and have a chance of winning? I just don't know what to do.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Son Bit by a Rat at a Pet Store

    Your son is how old? Where were you when this happened? Did his injury require more treatment than, say, a kiss on the boo boo and a band-aid?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Son Bit by a Rat at a Pet Store

    My son is 4 years old, and he had to go to the hospital. He was bleeding very badly. The hospital called animal control and they had to do a report. They couldn't stitch up my sons finger because of infection, and they put him on a antibiotic for 5 days for infection.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Son Bit by a Rat at a Pet Store

    I was just a few feet away from him looking at some water bowls for our cat. I could see him. We were both by the register.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Il.(near StL,Mo.)
    Posts
    5,252

    Default Re: Son Bit by a Rat at a Pet Store

    You might ask the store if they will take care of your son's medical bills.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    3,835

    Default Re: Son Bit by a Rat at a Pet Store

    Quote Quoting priddy3
    View Post
    Can we sue them for anything and have a chance of winning? I just don't know what to do.
    You can ask if they will pay the medical bills. If they don't, to sue and be successful, you need a valid Cause of action.

    What is that?

    It is a legal theory to base an action on. Was the pet store negligent in some way? Does state law have a strict liability for animal bites even if in cages?

    If an adult reached in to pet it one could argue, depending on case law of course, they "assumed the risk" of the possible danger.

    A child is not capable of assuming the risk.

    If they will not, at minimum, pay the hospital bills, you may have to consult a personal injury attorney.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Son Bit by a Rat at a Pet Store

    Thanks so much. I'm talking to an attorney today to see about having them pay the medical bill. Again thanks for the responses.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Il.(near StL,Mo.)
    Posts
    5,252

    Default Re: Son Bit by a Rat at a Pet Store

    You're welcome.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    5,437

    Default Re: Son Bit by a Rat at a Pet Store

    Quote Quoting priddy3
    View Post
    ...
    They couldn't stitch up my sons finger because of infection, and they put him on a antibiotic for 5 days for infection.
    ...


    What do you mean by that?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    2,344

    Default Re: Son Bit by a Rat at a Pet Store

    Really, an infection does not set in within a couple of hours. Also, parents do have some responsibility not to let their child stick their fingers in light sockets, animal cages, or meat grinders. If the animal was loose I could see far more liability than if a child not under direct control of the parent sticking his fingers into the animal's habitat. Anything with teeth can and will bite. Most people are aware of that and don't leave it to others to supervise their children.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Pets and Animals: Dog Fight on a Public Sidewalk, Owner Bitten
    By help4meplz in forum Personal Property
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 06-30-2011, 11:13 AM
  2. Animal Injuries and Dog Bites: Child Bitten by a Dog - Who is Liable
    By KerriB in forum Accidents and Injuries
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 10-11-2010, 05:54 AM
  3. Premises Liability: Minor Child Assaulted, Store Does Nothing
    By janedoe11 in forum Accidents and Injuries
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 05-06-2009, 11:38 PM
  4. Animal Injuries and Dog Bites: Bitten By a Neighbor's Dog
    By Raivyn in forum Accidents and Injuries
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 08-24-2008, 11:09 PM
  5. Quiet Enjoyment: Landlord's Child And Dog In My Store
    By mckenzie67 in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-05-2008, 03:05 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources