I have been injured in a horse accident. Can I claim compensation for personal injury?
You can potentially claim compensation for personal injury if you have been injured in a horse accident.
For a personal injury claim to succeed, it is crucial to establish that the proposed defendant (usually the owner or keeper of the horse) caused the accident which resulted in you being injured.
In addition to legal liability arising under the principles of negligence, liability can also be imposed on the keeper of an animal under the Animals Act 1971 if the animal causes injury and the keeper knew, or ought to have known, of the risk.
If you’ve been injured in a horse accident, here’s what to consider:
Negligence or Fault: Was the horse’s owner or handler negligent? For instance, was there inadequate training or unsafe equipment? Claims may also arise from lack of supervision.
Assumption of Risk: Participants in equestrian activities may be deemed to have accepted some risks (such as unpredictable horse behaviour). However, if the accident was caused by carelessness or avoidable factors, you may still have a valid claim.
Types of Injury: You may claim for physical injuries, including fractures or head or spinal injuries, as well as emotional distress and psychological issues, like anxiety or PTSD.
Loss of Earnings: If the injury affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or future earning capacity.
Care and Assistance: If you require help with daily tasks, you can claim for the cost of assistance (e.g., home or personal care).
We specialise in animal related personal injury claims and can offer our assistance on a No Win, No Fee basis. We have helped many horse riders recover compensation, including the equestrian instructor in this case study.
Our team is ready to evaluate the strength of your case at no cost, and provide support through the claims process.