Compensation Claims for Injuries Caused by Animals

About Animal Injury Claims

Although dog bites and attacks account for the largest proportion of animal injuries in the UK, with an estimated 200,000 incidents a year, it is not uncommon for livestock to cause serious or even fatal injuries - especially at certain times of the year when they are looking to protect their young.

According to figures for 2018/19 from the HSE, cattle were responsible for the second-largest number of deaths in farming, forestry, and fishing in Great Britain, accounting for 9 deaths in total that year, with an average annual figure of 5 deaths per year over the last five years.

Even though livestock becomes accustomed to human contact, they are still animals and are prone to unpredictability and it is not uncommon for cows and bulls to ‘charge’ at walkers passing through farmland, potentially causing trampling injuries and in some cases, even fatalities.

Animal owners have a duty of care to make sure their livestock are appropriately controlled and supervised when there is public access to their land. Where animals pose a risk to members of the public who have access to their land, dangers should be clearly signposted with information about the risks and an indication should be given of the times of the year when the animals may be increasingly aggressive due to the presence of their young.

Members of the public injured by livestock can also claim if animals stray onto public highways or train tracks causing an accident.

As well as injuries caused by dogs and livestock, our expert solicitors deal with all types of animal claims such as:

• Horse-related accidents - Including riders falling from a horse, members of the public injured by a spooked horse or those paid to work with horses, such as stable hands or grooms.
• Accidents involving exotic animals - Including attacks at safari parks and wildlife reserves
• Injuries to children sustained at petting zoos
• Road traffic accidents caused by out of control animals

Claims can also be made in relation to a multitude of other types of animal attacks, including:

• Exotic small pet bites and stings, such as spiders and snakes
• Wild animal attacks, such as bites and mauling
• Donkey bites
• Camel bites
• Bull gore injuries

Injuries sustained from animal attacks can range in severity, from fractures and lacerations to concussion and bites, but more serious injuries, such as loss of limbs, head injuries and spinal injuries, can have life-changing consequences.

If you or someone you know has been injured by an animal and there was negligence on the part of the owner of the animal, call PSR Solicitors’ team of personal injury claim specialists for free advice from a fully qualified solicitor. We will assess the merits of your case and can help you start your animal injury compensation claim.

Using one of our specialist solicitors ensures that you have a better chance of winning your claim and receiving all of the compensation and help that you are entitled to all on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that you won't have any legal costs to pay if your claim is unsuccessful so No Win No Fee = No Risk To You.

Who do I claim against for an animal injury?

Every animal owner, from a domestic dog owner to a farmer, has a duty of care to ensure that their animal(s) is kept under control and is prevented from causing injury or damage. Any failure to control their animal(s) that results in injury or damage constitutes a breach of that duty of care and could entitle the victim to make a compensation claim against them.

In cases where the incident falls under the scope of the Animals Act 1971, such as when a known dangerous species is involved, any breach of the act gives rise to strict liability on the part of the animal owner. This means that the owner would be liable for the victim’s injuries, irrespective of whether there was proof of negligence on the part of the owner of the animal.

In incidents where your injuries are caused by a breed of dog listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, again, there is no requirement to prove negligence on the part of the owner as the simple act of owning the dog is sufficient grounds for liability. If you are injured by a dangerous dog and the owner cannot be identified or the owner runs off before you can take the necessary details, there is scope to make a claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme.