Compensation Claims for Injures Caused by Livestock

Make a claim now by calling 0333 358 2345 or contacting us online.

Injuries caused by livestock animals can often be very serious and can even result in death. While this type of personal injury case is more unusual it is not any less valid. In 2009, Stephen Lawson, who works for a Cheshire based law firm, led a national campaign to try and protect the rights of people who were injured or killed by farm animals. This campaign was successful, no legislative changes were made to the Animals Act 1971. This act continues to ensure that people who suffer injuries due to a dangerous or escaped animal are able to make a claim for compensation. 

Therefore, if you are injured or a loved one is killed due to a dangerous or escaped animal you should know that the financial burden for emotional and physical recovery does not necessarily have to fall on your shoulders. If you did not provoke the animal or trespass, then you can most likely make a claim. 

Complex Area of Law

Unfortunately, this area of law is fairly complex, so farmers could end up paying hefty compensation awards. For example, in the 2009 case of McKasie V Cameron, the plaintiff was awarded damages of roughly £1 million. She had originally been attacked back in 2003, being seriously injured by cows to the point that she had to spend over a year in hospital and had lasting health issues. The hefty pay-outs associated with this area of law are due to the seriousness of the injuries that usually result from animal attacks. Cows in particular can become very aggressive if they have calves. While it is often difficult for farmers to keep a constant eye on their animals to ensure that they do not harm anyone walking on public footpaths there are certain precautions that they can take to reduce the risk of an accident happening. 

General Advice for Farmers

Farmers should undertake a risk assessment when thinking about placing animals, particularly cows in a certain field which also has a lot of traffic from the general public. To undertake this risk assessment, they should consult guidance from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The NFU have also created and provided free signs on their website which can be used to highlight the risks associated with having dogs around livestock, so that walkers are aware of the potential dangers of placing themselves in such a situation when walking on a public footpath. You should also make escape routes and exists from a field as visible and easy to use as possible for people so that if a confrontation against an animal does begin, there is the possibility of being able to escape the situation. Even if you believe that you are not negligent, it is better to be safe than sorry and protect against the risk of someone being injured by your livestock as much as possible. 

Insurance for Animal Owners

Aside from putting in counteractive measures such as placing clear signs and making exists visible, it is important that animal owners are completely insured against claims. If an accident occurs and there is deemed to be a degree of negligence on the part of the animal keeper, then a claim is likely to be successful. Even if you believe that you are not negligent and therefore there is no reason to get insurance, it is not necessarily true that the courts will rule in your favour. Therefore, you should always be insured, especially as the compensation packages for these sorts of cases are usually quite high. 

Had an Accident Involving Livestock or Animals?

If you have been involved in an accident involving livestock animals, then you could be entitled to make a claim. As stated, we understand that the injuries resulting from these sorts of cases are often very serious and potentially life-changing. Therefore, if you have been injured or a loved one has sadly been killed, you should not have to suffer financially due to this unfortunate accident. 

Making Personal Injury Claims

You may be entitled to compensation for a range of compensation claims under accident claims. Our experts will help assess your potential claim going forwards and provide you with proficient advice.

Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential compensation claim today by ringing 0333 358 2345 or by filling out the online claims form.

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online.