Accident at work involving horses. There is a vast range of jobs which involve working with horses; working at a riding school, being a groom or equine manager to being a Jockey, working in a stud, a farrier or being a trainer. Whilst the jobs may be different in their roles, they all have one thing in common, they all involve working with large animals, capable of causing serious injury and in some cases, death.
You could be bitten or kicked. You could fall from a horse, resulting in anything from soft tissue injuries and bruising lasting a few months, to serious spinal, life-changing injuries.
By virtue of the size and weight of a horse, you could suffer crush injuries, if a horse were to fall either on you or against a wall/ fence/gate within a stable or field.
Bringing a claim for an injury caused by a horse
It is commonly accepted that horses, by the fact they are animals, are unpredictable and therefore a certain amount of risk is associated with being in their proximity. However, just like any other employer, yours has a duty to ensure you are safe at work and take appropriate steps to lower and/or prevent the risk of injury.
Bringing claims for injuries caused by horses is a complex area of law. Such cases are rarely straightforward nor easy to pursue. Therefore, it is important to seek specialist legal advice. We are experienced in this specialist area and have a proven track record of successfully perusing these types of claims.
What can I claim for my injuries
We will claim damages and compensation arising from the incident so that you are in the position you were before the incident.
This can include:
- Compensation for your injuries, both mental and physical
- Treatment costs
- Lost earnings
- Care and help provided by family and friends while you are recovering
- Clothing and other property damaged in the incident
- Any other losses resulting from the accident.
How long do I have to bring my claim for an accident at work involving horses?
You have three years from the date of the incident to issue proceedings in support of your claim. If the accident occurred to a minor i.e. somebody under the age of 18 then the three years runs from the date of their 18th birthday. The courts do have the discretion to extend this three-year period but only in exceptional circumstances.
It is crucial to obtain evidence and witness statements in relation to the accident as soon as possible to ensure the best chance of a successful claim. We would always recommend that you begin your claim or certainly seek assistance from a solicitor as soon as possible after the incident.
What will it cost to bring my claim for an accident at work involving horses?
Your claim can be dealt with on a no-win fee basis. This means that if the claim is not successful then, as long as you have complied with the terms and conditions, there will be no charge for the work we have done on your behalf.
This means you can bring your claim without worry or concern that you will be out of pocket.
How can I start my claim
To see how we can help you claim the compensation that you deserve to get in touch with us today.
For your initial consultation get in touch with us today:
- Call: Elizabeth West on: 0113 224 7840
- Email: [email protected]
- Request a call back with the form on this page
