From stray dogs roaming the neighborhood to the cat that chooses to growl and hiss in that weird little shop you occasionally visit, animal threats can be lurking around every corner. While many people will go the extra steps to ensure their injuries from an animal are rightly compensated after an attack, many choose to turn the other cheek and go on with their life. This usually comes down to some fairly common misconceptions. Take a look at some of the most common misconceptions about animal bites or attacks as personal injury cases and the real facts you should know. 

Misconception: You can only file a personal injury claim if you are bitten by a dog. 

Fact: Dog bites may be the most common type of animal-related personal injury cases, but they are not the only animals that could cause you harm. You can just as easily file a claim and get an attorney if you are scratched by a cat and an ugly infection sets up or even if you are spurred by a free-roaming rooster. All that matters is that you were injured through no fault of your own and someone else can be held liable for not controlling their pet. 

Misconception: If you file a personal injury claim, the animal that attacked you will automatically be euthanized. 

Fact: Just because you have been injured by an animal, will not automatically mean that you want to see the animal euthanized. So this reasoning is understandable. However, most of the time, an animal will not have to be euthanized unless a judge determines that the animal is truly a threatening danger to society, which tends to happen only in some states and in the most severe attack cases. If this was only the first time the animal has attacked someone, it will be less likely that it will have to be euthanized because of it. 

Misconception: If you file a claim because of your bite or injuries, you will have more medical bills for evaluations. 

Fact: Being evaluated by medical professionals immediately after an animal attack is necessary, but followup evaluations are just as important because animal scratches and bites can become infected and cause a great deal of danger. So either way, attending all recommended medical appointments is necessary. However, if you file a personal injury claim, these are expenses that you will get back if your personal injury attorney wins the case.