Available 24/7
Animal Attacks and Workers’ Comp Claims
It’s not something most people think about — but animal attacks happen more often than you’d expect.
Whether it’s a dog, a wild animal, or something completely unexpected, the big question is:
Can you file a claim if you’re injured?
The answer depends entirely on how and where the attack happens.
Can You Sue the Animal?
Let’s get this out of the way first — you can’t sue the animal.
If you’re riding a bike and hit a deer, or a wild animal attacks you unexpectedly, there’s usually no one to hold legally responsible.
In those situations, you’re often out of luck unless someone else was negligent.
When You May Not Have a Case
If you are:
-
Not working
-
Injured by a wild animal
-
Or involved in a random animal-related accident
There is usually no claim available.
The exception is when someone’s negligence caused the situation.
For example, if an animal was supposed to be contained but wasn’t — that can change everything.
When You Do Have a Case: Workers’ Compensation
If you are injured by an animal while doing your job, that’s a different story.
This is where workers’ compensation comes into play.
Examples include:
-
Being bitten by an animal while working outdoors
-
Getting attacked by an animal (like a dog) on a job site
-
Unexpected incidents (yes — even something like a squirrel attack)
If the injury happens in the course of your employment, you may be entitled to:
-
Medical treatment
-
Disability benefits (typically about two-thirds of your average weekly wage)
In these cases, you’re not filing a claim against the animal — you’re filing a claim through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
When Negligence Creates a Claim
There are also situations where another person may be responsible.
For example:
-
An animal escapes from a property due to a broken or neglected fence
-
The owner fails to properly secure the animal
-
The animal ends up in the road and causes an accident
In one real case in a nearby state, a horse escaped from a poorly maintained fence and ended up in the roadway, causing a serious crash to a motorcycle rider at night. Because the owner failed to secure the animal, the injured person had a strong claim — and the case resulted in a significant recovery of several million dollars.
The Bottom Line
Animal-related injuries fall into three main categories:
-
No claim → random wild animal incident
-
Workers’ comp claim → injury while working
-
Liability claim → someone else’s negligence regarding controlling an animal caused the situation
The key is understanding the facts of your specific case.
What to Do Next
If you’ve been injured by an animal — whether at work or not — it’s worth getting clarity on your legal options.
Every situation is different, and small details can make a big difference in whether you have a case.
