February 17, 2025 | Personal Injury
A few minutes from downtown Chicago and free to all, the Lincoln Park Zoo attracts millions of visitors every year. Founded in 1868, it is one of the oldest zoos in the country. While many people enjoy the zoo, a bad encounter can result in serious injury and a lifetime of negative associations.
If you were injured at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Here is what you need to know about this legal issue.
Types of Accidents that Can Happen at the Zoo
The combination of live animals, crowds, and different terrains can create a dangerous environment where accidents are more likely to occur.
Some common accidents at zoos include:
- Falls into animal enclosures – Visitors may accidentally fall into animal enclosures due to holes, gaps in fences, lack of guardrails, or other dangerous conditions.
- Slips and falls on the premises – Spills, water and food debris, and other obstructions can cause slips and falls.
- Animal attacks – Horrifying animal attacks have happened at zoos around the world, ranging from animals dragging visitors into their lairs to others escaping and maiming visitors.
- Motor vehicle accidents – Zoo workers may drive forklifts, trolleys, and other vehicles. They can cause severe injuries when they crash into zoo visitors.
Zoos can also be a dangerous place to work. Of the injuries reported in a large study, some of the most common workplace injuries at zoos included:
- Animal-related injuries
- Back injuries
- Necropsy injuries
- Adverse formalin exposure
- Animal allergies
- Zoonotic infections
- Insect allergies
An experienced attorney can review the circumstances surrounding your case and explain if you have the right to pursue compensation from the zoo for the damages you’ve suffered.
If you are hurt at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, it is important to know what steps to take to protect your health and legal rights.
Report the Accident
Immediately report the accident to staff. If possible, make a written report. Ask for a copy of the official accident report.
Seek Medical Treatment
Seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you feel fine, you could have suffered injuries that do not have immediate symptoms, such as soft tissue injuries or internal organ damage. If the zoo personnel ask if you want an ambulance, accept it.
Document the Scene
Use your cell phone to take pictures of the scene. Document everything that could be relevant to the accident, including any warning signs or lack thereof. Take pictures of the slippery substance or broken enclosure. Also, photograph your injuries.
Gather Information
Take note of any workers who observed your injuries and the location of any surveillance cameras. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
Keep Detailed Records
You may begin accumulating various documents and records related to your case. Keep all of these.
Records may include:
- Medical records, including diagnostic tests, doctor’s notes, and instructions for care
- Employment records, pay stubs, and letters that indicate the time you missed from work
- Photos or videos you took of the accident and your injuries
- Entries in a pain journal regarding your daily symptoms
- Receipts for durable medical supplies and over-the-counter supplies
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer if You Were Injured at Lincoln Park Zoo
If you were injured at the Lincoln Park Zoo, seek help from a personal injury lawyer immediately. A lawyer can investigate the case, preserve valuable evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
875 N Dearborn St 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 635-5400
Open 24/7