The first step to be taken after being bitten and or attacked by another person's animal is to consult legal aid. Referral services and personal references will help lead to a qualified attorney for any situation. In the case of animal attacks, there are attorneys who specialize in all animal laws, and even further concentrated attorneys that stay in only one section of animal laws, such as an animal attack or animal bite attorney. Laws managing the rights, exchange and control of animals are set by the state, county and city governments. Within these regulations, there can be civil charges and criminal charges depending on the circumstances of attack, type of animal, and where it occurred. These experienced attorneys are the best option for maximizing compensation.