What Happens if I Get Injured at Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Galveston County, TX?
A trip to Bayou Wildlife Zoo should be a fun and memorable experience. But encounters with large animals and hands-on exhibits can introduce safety risks. If you or your child were injured at Bayou Wildlife Zoo, you may be wondering who is responsible and what steps to take next. Here is what you need to know.
Common Causes of Injuries at Bayou Wildlife Zoo
Even though Bayou Wildlife Zoo offers a fun, hands-on experience, visitors can still encounter hazards. The zoo is responsible for keeping the property reasonably safe, and when it fails to do so, guests can get hurt.
Common causes of zoo-related injuries include:
- Animal bites, scratches, or injuries: These often occur when animals are not properly supervised or when barriers are insufficient.
- Slips, trips, and falls: Uneven ground, wet spots, and loose gravel can easily cause visitors to slip and fall.
- Tram or ride accidents: Sudden stops, unsafe driving, or unstable seating can lead to injuries during tours.
- Inadequate security or supervision: Crowded exhibits or a lack of staff oversight can create dangerous situations.
It is important to preserve evidence and seek legal guidance quickly if your injury falls into one of these categories, or even if you’re unsure.
What to Do Immediately After a Zoo Injury
The steps you take right after an injury can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation. Focus on your safety first, then gather as much information as you can.
These actions help show what happened, who may be responsible, and how serious your injuries are:
- Report the incident to zoo staff: Inform an employee or supervisor immediately and ensure that an incident report is completed. Ask for a copy if possible, so there is a written record confirming when and where the injury occurred.
- Take photos and videos: Capture the scene from multiple angles, including the hazard, the animal involved, and any safety issues, such as broken fencing or a lack of supervision. Photograph your injuries as soon as possible. Visual evidence is often the most compelling aspect of a claim.
- Seek medical care immediately: Visit a doctor promptly, even if your injuries appear minor. Immediate treatment protects your health and provides documentation linking your injuries directly to the zoo incident.
- Collect witness information: Ask for the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the incident. Independent statements can make it harder for the zoo to deny responsibility.
- Contact a lawyer early: A lawyer can help secure evidence before it disappears, communicate with the zoo and its insurance company, and guide you on what to say and what not to say. Early legal help can also prevent insurers from undervaluing or dismissing your claim.
Taking these steps puts you in the best position to protect your health and your legal rights. A strong record of what happened makes it much easier for your lawyer to build a compelling claim on your behalf.
Who Is Responsible for a Zoo Injury?
Responsibility in a zoo injury case depends on how the incident occurred. Texas premises liability laws require the zoo to maintain its property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors, including managing animal behavior and other potential hazards.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Bayou Wildlife Zoo: The zoo may be responsible for negligent staff supervision, unsafe animal enclosures, failure to control animal interactions, or hazardous walking paths.
- Zoo employees: An employee who mishandles an animal or operates the tram carelessly may expose the zoo to liability.
- Third-party contractors: Companies that maintain walkways, fences, vehicles, or equipment may share responsibility if faulty maintenance caused your injury.
Understanding liability can be complicated, especially when a zoo argues that animals are unpredictable or that visitors assumed the risk of injury. An attorney can help you navigate these arguments and gather evidence showing negligence.
Contact Our Galveston Premises Liability Lawyers at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Zoo injuries can leave you with medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, and you may be entitled to recover compensation for these losses. A Galveston premises liability lawyer can help determine what your claim is worth and fight for a fair recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured, call The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Please contact an experienced premises liability lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
