You may be entitled to compensation but make sure you seek specialist advice
All sorts of disputes can arise regarding animals and most commonly these relate to horses or dogs both of which as being British we love.
Claims involving horses can arise for all sorts of reasons. There may be a dispute regarding the purchase of an animal which will often relate to its characteristics and behaviour.
Unfortunately, there may have been an accident involving a horse with third party damage and injury. Accidents involving horses can involve very serious injuries.
Horse riding is a sport/leisure activity that essentially has a number of dangers. Speed can be involved, jumping hedges and gates, other animals, young people, inexperienced riders etc. The risks and dangers are endless and probably if you thought about it too much you would never ride again. Most riding is carried out in a safe and proper manner but unfortunately as I say accidents do happen and these can involve very serious injuries.
The first thing you should always ensure is that you have adequate insurance for riding your horse to protect you against third party liability. It costs very little. It is common sense. It means that if something unpredictable does happen if an accident occurs with damage to personal property, insurers will handle it for you. In my view it should be as common as road traffic insurance. Plus, if you can afford the horse, you can afford the insurance and the consequences of not having insurance can be disastrous financially.
But what about if you are the victim, what can you do then. Well you are entitled to a claim against rider or owner who caused the accident. Hopefully they will be insured but even if they are not the claim still exists. Firstly, you will have to establish liability and that will not be easy but it can be done.
Equestrian law is a very specialised area. You have to understand the world of horses, of people who keep and work with them and be familiar with the terminology and practices. Here at Parnalls we have that expertise. We have dealt with and continue to deal with many cases involving horses and equestrian matters and you can be confident of receiving a professional service which will get you the very best results.
These claims are not like other accident claims; the law and factual background is quite different. We also have experience of other animal related cases such as those involving dogs. Unfortunately, there are sometimes accidents or attacks involving dogs which again can result in very serious injuries and must be dealt with the greatest care and appropriate expertise.
If you have a legal dispute involving an animal then contact us without delay. If you had an accident involving a horse or other animal, then contact Katherine Flashman Kitson on 01566 772375 or e-mail flashmankitsonk@parnalls.com.
The contents of this article are for purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.
