Spending a day at a zoo or wildlife park should be a moment of leisure and learning, but it can sometimes turn into a traumatic experience due to unforeseen events or negligence in safety management. When an injury occurs within these facilities, whether directly caused by an animal or a structural deficiency, it is crucial to understand your rights. As an expert lawyer in compensation for damages, Avv. Marco Bianucci in Milan offers targeted legal support to analyze the dynamics of the accident and ascertain responsibilities, guiding the client towards fair compensation for the harm suffered.

Civil Liability in Wildlife and Zoological Parks

The Italian regulatory framework offers specific protection for those who suffer damages within facilities such as zoos, wildlife parks, or aquariums. The facility's liability can be attributed primarily to two distinct legal categories provided for by the Civil Code. The first concerns damages directly caused by animals, governed by Article 2052 of the Civil Code, which establishes that the owner or user of an animal is liable for damages caused by it, unless they prove the occurrence of a fortuitous event. This is a form of strict liability, where the manager's fault is presumed until proven otherwise.

The second category concerns damages arising from the facility itself, such as falls caused by uneven flooring, non-compliant barriers, or poor maintenance of accessible areas. In this case, reference is made to Article 2051 of the Civil Code on liability for things in custody. Even in this circumstance, the burden of proof falls primarily on the custodian, i.e., the entity managing the park, which must demonstrate that it has taken all appropriate measures to prevent damage. It is essential to emphasize that the presence of warning or disclaimer signs does not automatically exempt the facility from its legal responsibilities if there have been safety deficiencies.

The Approach of the Bianucci Law Firm in Compensation for Damages

Avv. Marco Bianucci, operating as an expert lawyer in compensation for damages in Milan, approaches every case of accident in wildlife parks with a rigorous and analytical method. The firm's strategy is not limited to a simple request for compensation but involves a detailed reconstruction of the event. This includes acquiring documentary evidence, witness testimonies, and, if necessary, collaborating with forensic medical experts to accurately quantify the extent of physical injuries and biological, moral, and existential damages suffered by the client.

Case management is handled with the utmost transparency and dedication. The goal is to relieve the client of bureaucratic burdens and direct confrontation with the opposing party's insurance companies, which often tend to minimize the amount of compensation due. The experience gained by Avv. Marco Bianucci allows for anticipating possible objections from insurance companies, such as potential contributory negligence by the injured party, and building a solid defense strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome, favoring out-of-court settlements where possible to reduce waiting times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for damages in case of a bite or attack by an animal at the zoo?

In the event of an attack by an animal housed in the facility, liability generally falls on the managing entity or the park's owner company, pursuant to art. 2052 of the Civil Code. Typically, these facilities are covered by third-party liability insurance policies. Therefore, it will be the park's insurance, following proper legal case preparation, that will have to pay compensation for the injuries sustained.

What happens if the accident occurred because I leaned too far over the barrier?

The visitor's behavior is a factor that is carefully evaluated. If the facility demonstrates that the accident was caused by imprudent, unforeseeable, and exceptional conduct by the injured party (so-called fortuitous event), compensation may be reduced or denied. However, it is the responsibility of an expert lawyer in compensation for damages to verify whether the safety barriers were compliant and whether the signage was adequate and sufficient to prevent the risk, as user safety must be guaranteed even in the face of foreseeable behavior.

What types of damages can I claim after an accident at a wildlife park?

Compensation can be claimed for various types of damages. Pecuniary damages cover medical expenses incurred and any loss of earnings due to inability to work. Non-pecuniary damages include biological damage (injury to psychophysical integrity), moral damage (inner suffering), and existential damage (alteration of life habits). Each item of damage must be adequately proven and documented.

How long do I have to act to claim compensation?

The right to compensation for damages arising from an unlawful act generally prescribes within five years from the day the act occurred. However, it is essential to act promptly. Gathering evidence, testimonies, and medical documentation immediately after the event significantly strengthens the injured party's position and facilitates the lawyer's work in building the compensation claim.

Request a Case Evaluation

If you or a family member have been the victim of an accident at a zoo or wildlife park, it is important not to leave anything to chance. Avv. Marco Bianucci, an expert lawyer in compensation for damages, is available at the Milan office, located at Via Alberto da Giussano 26, to examine your situation. Through an initial consultation, it will be possible to assess the feasibility of your claim and define the most effective strategy to protect your rights.