Horse Riding Accident Claims

What Can I Make a Claim For?

You can make a claim if you have been injured whilst working with or training horses. This could be;

• During a riding lesson
• A road traffic accident
• Injuries sustained during a competitive event
• Injuries to spectators at an event
• Accidents or injuries caused by ill-fitting or defective equipment
• If you were injured by a horse and carriage

Common Injuries Caused By Horse Riding Accidents

Horse riding accidents can cause a range of injuries. From minor injuries to serious injuries and even death.

The most common injuries we see include;

• Broken bones and crush injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Spinal injuries
• Head and brain injuries

For some, horse riding accidents and the injuries they cause are part of owning and riding horses. Whether you were riding a horse or not, if you have suffered injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could have a claim.

I Have Been Injured By a Horse; Can I Make a Claim?

You may be able to claim against the owner of the horse if it was behaving dangerously. However, you will need to satisfy the conditions of the Animals Act 1971.You will need to prove that;

1. The horse displayed characteristics not usually found in horses, and
2. The owner or keeper of the horse was aware of these characteristics

How Much Compensation Could I Claim?

All horse-riding accidents are different, and the injuries and outcomes are wide-ranging. As such, we’re unable to say how much your claim could be worth.

To calculate how much your claim could be worth, we’ll consider every aspect, including;

• The severity of your injuries
• How much pain and suffering you have gone through
• How they have affected/will affect your life
• Any loss of earnings, including wages, commissions, bonuses, pension contributions etc
• The cost of any medical bills, treatment and support
• Psychological support
• Out of pocket expenses
• Costs to adapt your home
• Veterinary costs if your horse is injured
• Damaged riding and personal equipment

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accident to make a claim.

That said, there are two exceptions;

1. Child claims: If you’re making a claim on behalf of a child you can make a claim any time before they turn 18. Once they are 18, they can make their own claim until they turn 21
2. Mental capacity: If you’re claiming on behalf of someone who lacks mental capacity, there are no time limits.

How Long Do Horse Riding Accident Claims Take?

The amount of time it takes to settle a claim depends on the severity and complexity of your case.

If your injuries are minor and the other side accepts liability, your case might take a matter of months.

However, if you have suffered life changing injuries or the other side refuses to accept liability, it could take years.

Where we can, we will also seek to claim early compensation payments. These will help to cover the costs of specialist treatment and any other financial obligations.

Can I Make a No Win, No Fee Claim?

We handle most personal injury claims on a no win, no fee basis.

This means;

• You don’t have to pay anything to start a claim, and
• You’ll have nothing to pay if your claim isn’t successful

You’ll’ only have anything to pay if your claim is successful. Even then, the other side will pay most of the legal costs.

Why Use Rothera Bray for Horse Riding Accident & Injury Claims?

We can advise you on:

• Injuries sustained by a horse behaving dangerously due to a trait you were not aware of
• Injuries whilst riding a horse, caused by someone else’s wrongdoing
• Road traffic accidents involving horses
• Injuries to children, for example at a riding school
• Injuries caused by a horse you have purchased where the previous owner did not warn you about dangerous behaviour
• Injuries sustained while attending equestrian events
• Injuries from being crushed, kicked or bitten by a horse
• Injuries caused by an employer/working in the equine industry

Rothera Bray LLP are Official Legal Partners to British Dressage and The British Show Pony Society