Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Injuries Caused by Animals
If you suffer a personal injury as the result of an accident involving an animal, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.
Our expert personal injury lawyers have extensive experience in recovering compensation for the victims of animal accidents and we can provide you with the assistance and guidance you need. Contact The Legal Line on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online, for expert injury claim advice on a cost-free basis.
Accidents Involving Animals
Injuries Caused by Livestock
Dog Attacks
Horse Riding Accidents
Animal Accident Compensation
Making an Animal Accident Claim
Our Expert Personal Injury Lawyers
Successful Claims for Accidents Caused by Animals
Accidents Involving Animals
Many people in the UK keep animals as pets, for the purposes of farming or as working animals.
Injuries caused by animals can occur under a wide range of circumstances. For example someone who works directly with animals, or works in the community visiting homes or premises where animals are kept, could be injured in an accident at work. Road accidents can be caused by loose or stray animals, dog attacks can happen in public places and sports injuries involving animals (such as riding accidents, see below) may occur.
Anyone who owns or is responsible for an animal has a duty to keep it under control in order to avoid injuries to members of the public. If reasonable safety measures are not taken and an accident occurs, a personal injury claim may be possible.
Injuries Caused by Livestock
Livestock such as cattle and sheep are large and strong and they have the potential to cause serious injury, for example if they are able to escape on to roads and cause an accident or if they attack or charge at a member of the public. Farm workers are also at risk of injury if their employer does not employ sufficient health and safety measures to provide them with a safe working environment.
In the UK many public footpaths and rights of way run through land where farmers are permitted to graze cattle. Although they are generally docile creatures, there are certain circumstances under which they can become territorial or aggressive. An example of this would be during calving season, when cows are protective over their young. Cattle can also become agitated if they feel threatened by dogs, so it is important to take care when walking with dogs to ensure that they do not alarm other animals or go too close to them.
Owners of livestock should ensure that their fields and enclosures have secure fencing and gates so that animals can not escape. They should also consider removing cattle from fields with public access during calving season and display warning signs about any animals known to have a hostile temperament.
Some common types of accident caused by livestock include:
• Injuries at work – Anyone working with livestock should be provided with the relevant training and personal protective equipment to avoid unnecessary injuries at work.
• Road traffic accidents – If animals escape from their enclosures or fields onto public roads they can pose a hazard to motorists.
• Attacks by cattle – Cows or bulls can seriously injure pedestrians if they charge or attack them in a field.
• Infections – Some infections can be transmitted to humans from animals, for example on farm visits. Children and pregnant women can be especially vulnerable, so farmers or petting zoo owners should ensure that visitors are made aware of any risks and any animals known to be carrying infections should be kept away from members of the public.
Dog Attacks
Although most dogs are gentle companions for their owners, they are capable of causing serious harm. Dog owners should always ensure that their dogs are under control when out in public or when someone visits their home, and that they are not able to escape unattended into public areas. Any dog known to have a hostile temperament may need to be muzzled and children should never be left alone with dogs, even if they have never been aggressive in the past.
If you are attacked by a dog, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. See our dog attack compensation page for further information.
Horse Riding Accidents
Riding is a sport that carries with it a degree of inherent risk of personal injury. It is a demanding physical sport and horses are animals with their own minds, so they can be unpredictable at times. Even very experienced riders are likely to suffer falls at some point and most horse riding accidents are not caused by anyone’s negligence.
Some riding accidents are avoidable however, so it is important that anyone responsible for horses takes every possible precaution to reduce the risk of injury to people who come into contact with them. For example, riding schools must ensure that their premises are safe, that all equipment supplied is fit for purpose and in good working order and that riders are matched with suitable horses for their level of experience and the activity they are taking part in.
Many horse owners and riders also ‘hack out’ on public roads. Other road users have a responsibility to drive in a considerate and safety conscious manner if they come across riders.
Common causes of horse riding accidents include:
• Defective or badly fitted tack – If part of the horses saddle or bridle breaks when the horse is being ridden, this can cause an accident. Similarly, accidents can occur if tack has not been fitted correctly, in particular if the girth (which holds the saddle in place) has not been tightened sufficiently.
• Lack of correct instruction – A horse riding accident may occur if a rider is asked to do something that is beyond their capabilities, their instructor fails to give them the correct guidance, or they are put into a dangerous situation whilst on a lesson or hack. It is important to choose a reputable riding centre with qualified instructors.
• Road accidents – Road accidents involving horses can occur due to the negligence of a driver, or because a rider is provided with a horse that is not suitable for work on the roads (for example a very nervous or young horse with a novice rider).
• Unsuitable horse – Horses, like people, all have different temperaments. Some are suitable for novice riders and others are not. Riders should always be provided with a horse that is suitable for their skills and ability.
Riders themselves should also ensure that they take all possible safety precautions, for example by always wearing a helmet and suitable protective clothing and footwear.
It is not only whilst riding that someone may suffer an injury caused by a horse. Bites, kicks and crush injuries can occur whilst handling horses and loose horses have been known to cause road accidents.
If you suffer an injury caused by a horse, which you believe was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us for cost-free advice on your potential claim.
Animal Accident Compensation
There are two elements to a compensation award. The first, called general damages, is for the pain and suffering you have gone through and any loss of amenity (perhaps an inability to play sports, do housework or drive). The award for loss of amenity can be for a short period after an animal accident, or forever if that is what the medical evidence supports.
The second element of a compensation award, for your losses and expenses, is known as special damages and aims to put you back in a position financially as if the animal accident had never occurred. It is important to keep receipts for any expenditure you have related to your personal injury so that these can be reclaimed.
Making an Animal Accident Claim
It is important to obtain prompt legal advice if you have suffered personal injury as the result of an animal accident and believe that you may be entitled to make an injury claim.
In any claim for an injury caused by an animal it is necessary to show that the person you are making a claim against owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty of care (were negligent), and that the injury you sustained was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of that negligence. Medical evidence will also be required. Your lawyer will be able to collate all of the information about your case and advise you on the best way in which to proceed.
If an accident involving an animal does occur, you should try to record as much information as you can, including details of any witnesses and taking photographs where possible. Remember to keep details of any medical treatment and receipts for any injury related expenses, as these may be useful in your claim.
Our Expert Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a member of your family have been injured in an animal accident, you may be in a position to pursue an injury claim and it is always advisable to obtain specialist support and guidance.
Our lawyers are experts in all areas of personal injury, with extensive experience in handling animal accident claims, so we can provide specialist advice and guidance on your potential case. Do not worry if the type of accident you have suffered is not detailed above, we will still be happy to assess the details. Contact The Legal Line on 0800 032 8511 or by completing an online claim enquiry form, for expert accident claim advice.
Successful Claims for Accidents Caused by Animals
We have recovered compensation for victims of a wide variety of accidents caused by animals. Follow the links below, or visit our personal injury news and client stories sections, for further details:
MIB Compensation for Pony Trap Accident Caused by Goped
Armed Forces Dog Handler Injured at Work
Compensation Claim for Riding Accident Caused by Negligence
Personal Injury Claim for Walker Trampled by Cow
Over £40,000 Compensation for Woman Injured by Loose Dog
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