Equine Personal Injury

If you or your horse has been involved in an accident which wasn’t your fault, you may want to consider making a personal injury claim. This can help recover the loss of expenses, as well as award you compensation for the pain and suffering caused.

What Is An Equine Personal Injury Claim?

An equine personal injury claim can be made if a riding accident that you were not responsible for has resulted in injury to you and/or your horse. This may include:-

A riding accident that could have been avoided – eg. due to a poorly maintained bridleway;
Injury from another horse;
Faulty equipment – eg. an old helmet;
Road accident – eg. driver of a vehicle beeping their horn;
Injury to horse during transportation;
Professional negligence, including veterinary and riding instructor negligence;
Not being informed of a horse’s temperament when it is purchased.

It must be remembered, however, that horses are large and sometimes unpredictable animals. Due to their very nature, riding accidents are bound to happen occasionally. It is for this reason that under the Animal Act 1971 claims cannot be made for an accident that was the result of normal equine behaviour, such as spooking at a the sight of another animal.

Even so, there are times when accountability for an accident lies with someone (or something) else. If this is the case and it can be proven that your equine accident was not your fault, then you may be able to claim compensation.

Common Types of Equine Personal Injury Claim

Whether the injury was to you or your horse, you can claim for a number of grievances, such as:-

Claims for Injuries to the Rider:

Loss of ability to ride or compete;
Loss of earnings;
Damage to property, tack, and clothing;
Medical expenses;
Travel expenses;
Pain and suffering.

Claims for Injuries to the Horse:

Diminution in value of horse;
Vet, farrier, and dentistry bills;
Livery fees.

Veterinary Negligence

An equine personal injury claim may also be the result of veterinary negligence. This can arise in a number of ways, but more often than not refers to the event in which a vet assesses a horse before it is bought. This is done to identify any illnesses or injuries, allowing the person who is making the purchase to do so with full knowledge of the horse’s condition. Should a vet fail to pick up on any defects and an accident occurs as a result, then this can amount to professional negligence and damages can be claimed.

Summary

If a riding accident as left you or your horse suffering an injury, you should contact a legal expert for assistance. A solicitor who deals with equestrian legal issues will be able to review your case and discuss the details of making a personal injury claim.