Officials in San Francisco have denied the city is responsible for the death of a teenager when he was mauled by an escaped tiger at the city’s zoo on Christmas Day, 2007. City Attorney Dennis Herrera said in a letter that the claim filed by Carlos Sousa Jr.’s parents has been referred to the San Francisco Zoological Society and their insurance company. This same type of referral was made by Herrera when Kulbi and Paul Dhaliwal, who were with Sousa when he was killed. Both brothers were also mauled. Matt Dorsey, Herrera’s spokesperson, states that Monday’s letter is a procedural step which is usually the case when civil litigation is brought against government agencies or entities.
According to California state law, because of the city’s denial, the Sousa family now has six months to file a lawsuit. Michael Cardoza, the Sousa family lawyer, said they plan to sue the zoo operators and the city. “The city owns the animals and owns the property. They don’t get to abrogate their responsibility by pointing to the zoo. They can fight about who is responsible.”
It was reported recently that Tatiana, the Siberian tiger who mauled the three friends, had lost 50 pounds since arriving from the Denver Zoo two years ago. Cardoza alleges Tatiana, as well as other animals at the zoo, were underfed so that they will be ravenous during public feeding times to put on a good show.
If you have lost a loved one and feel that you have a wrongful death claim, please contact an experienced injury lawyer in your area.
