When neighborhood cats wander the streets, it creates more than just a safety issue for the cats. It creates several safety issues for other pets and neighbors as well. Cats, when cornered, will hiss, bite, and scratch. This creates a host of medical and health issues for kids, elderly people, and anyone with a weakened immune system or blood disorder. If you have recently been bitten or scratched by a neighborhood cat, you can sue. However, personal injury lawyers working on your case will need the following information.

Description of the Cat

Give a clear description of the cat. Make sure you make note of any defining characteristics or details, such as a missing eye or one white foot. This helps narrow down which neighbor's cat is responsible. Also, if the cat was wearing a collar, note the color and details of the collar and any tags the cat appeared to be wearing.

Details of the Event

The date and time that you were scratched or bitten is important. The judge will want to know this so that he/she can ask the owners if they knew where their cat was and knew what happened. Make sure you include any and all medical documentation and medical treatment you received for the bite/scratch, preferably on the day of the event, so that the judge can see that you were, indeed, injured on that very day.

Tracking Down the Owners

If you notice the cat wandering regularly back to a specific house, approach the house and speak to the inhabitants. Ask them if they have a cat that matches the description of the one that bit/scratched you. Then let them know that their cat injured you and that you will have to see a doctor for it. Give the owners' names and location to your lawyer if the owners are unwilling to take responsibility for the injuries. It may also be a requirement in your city and state to have the animal tested for rabies so you do not have to undergo rabies vaccinations. If the owners refuse to have their cat tested, you will have to sue.

Figuring out Who Is to Blame

Ultimately, the owners of the offending cat are to blame. They should have kept their pet indoors and not let it wander the neighborhood. So long as you did nothing that would frighten the cat or hurt it, thus causing it to strike back, the owners are responsible for your injuries and you should be compensated.

For more information, contact firms like Lerner, Piermont & Riverol, P.A.