Animal Injury Claims & Animal Attack Compensation Claims.

Regardless of whether it’s a horse or a dog, the animals’ owners are responsible.

Introduced in 1971, the Animals Act legally requires owners and handlers to ensure that the animal in their care does not hurt or injure anybody. The person in charge at the time of the accident will be held liable and the Act imposes severe penalties on the owners of animals that cause any damage or injury to others.

Failure to take their responsibility seriously could result in owners being ordered to pay compensation to the victim. Although not a legal requirement, most responsible owners should have a public liability insurance policy in place to cover themselves if their animal attacks someone without provocation.

In situations where individuals or businesses work with animals, and the public use their facilities or services, the obligation to risk assess and manage the animals to ensure a safe environment is even greater.

In the event of an animal attack you should seek immediate medical attention. The best course of action is to get the wounds cleaned out as quickly as possible to prevent any infection and future complications. You’ll also be issued with a medical report. As irrefutable proof that you were injured by an animal, this will significantly strengthen your claim for compensation.

After taking these steps, you need to file a report at the nearest police station. The police will then decide if anyone else is at risk of being attacked by the same animal and take the necessary steps to prevent this from happening. You should also take photographs of your injury and if possible, of the animal involved and ask for the contact details of as many people who were at the scene at that time who witnessed the attack.

There are many industries in which working with animals is a standard part of the job. But just because you know the risks, doesn’t mean you are not entitled to compensation if  an accident occurs.

Employers have a duty to assess the risks of working with, and handling or moving, livestock. If this is not done adequately and a farm worker, stockman or wildlife worker is injured, a claim can be made for compensation. This also includes situations such as a lack of appropriate training, protective clothing, supervision or support when you are handling the animal(s) you’re working with.

Whether you are working with untrained animals on a farm or zoo, or working with animals trained for work, such as police dogs and horses, if an accident happens as the result of another person’s negligence, you are entitled to be compensated for any injuries or losses you sustained.

If you are injured during the course of your work, making a claim for compensation can ensure you are able to meet additional expenses, such as any time off work needed as a result of your injury, or any medical treatment that may be required.

Livestock considered accustomed to humans, such as pigs, sheep and cows, can all attack and cause serious or even fatal injuries, especially if animals sense danger and are afraid, are hungry or have young.

All animals can be unpredictable, and this unpredictability makes them potentially dangerous.

According to a report by the HSE, 23% of all farm-related deaths were caused by incidents involving animals including cattle.

While the majority of livestock are thought to be domesticated creatures, they can still be extremely volatile when they feel anxious or frightened. For example, bulls and cows are capable of charging at innocent bystanders and causing serious injuries.

Animal owners have a duty of care to make sure they are correctly controlled and supervised when public access is available. Dangers should be clearly signposted with information about the risks of being in close contact with farm animals, livestock or wild animals like deer, especially at specific times of the year when animals may be aggressive to protect their young.

Injuries caused by dangerous livestock which can be claimed for include:

• Amputation/loss of limb injuries
• Animal bites
• Brain/head injury
• Concussion
• Crush injuries
• Dislocation
• Fractures
• Gore injuries
• Kick injuries
• Lacerations and scarring
• Spinal/back injury
• Trampling injuries
• Zoonotic infections

Members of the public injured by livestock can also claim if animals stray onto roads or train tracks causing road traffic accidents or train accidents.

The value of an animal injury claim will depend on the nature and severity of the injury, the impact on your day-to-day life, and any financial losses you’ve incurred. The “general damages”, which only cover the injury itself, are based on the severity, type, and prognosis of each type of injury, with amount ranges outlined in the Judicial College Guidelines.

Additional awards, called “special damages”, include time off work, medical costs, or changes to your living arrangements. No two claims are the same, and our team will take time to understand your individual circumstances, ensuring any settlement reflects the full extent of your suffering and your needs moving forward.

In most cases, the law allows you three years from the date of the incident to start a claim. However, there are exceptions, particularly for children or individuals without mental capacity. It’s always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible so that evidence can be preserved and the strongest possible case can be built.

The length of time it takes to resolve an animal injury claim depends on a number of factors such as the complexity of the incident, whether liability is accepted, and the extent of your injuries. Straightforward cases can often be resolved within several months, while more serious or disputed claims may take longer. We will keep you informed throughout and always work efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays.

Yes, if you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident caused by an animal like a horse or livestock escaping onto a public road, you may be entitled to claim. Owners and keepers of animals have a legal duty to secure them, particularly near roads. If that duty has been breached and you’ve suffered harm as a result, you could have a valid claim.

If an animal escapes and causes injury by knocking you over, causing a fall, or behaving unpredictably, you may have grounds to claim against its owner or keeper. Responsibility often lies with the individual or organisation in control of the animal at the time, and we can help investigate whether adequate steps were taken to prevent such an incident.

Wild animal claims are more complex, but not impossible. If an organisation, such as a zoo, safari park, or wildlife centre, failed to manage risks appropriately or did not keep animals properly contained, then they may be liable for your injuries. The key question is whether reasonable precautions were taken to protect the public from foreseeable harm.

If you’ve been injured at a zoo or wildlife park by an animal or due to inadequate safety measures, you may be entitled to claim for physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial losses. Operators of such venues have a duty to ensure visitor safety through appropriate enclosures, signage, and supervision. If that duty was breached, legal redress may be available.

Yes. If your child is injured due to poor hygiene standards, inadequate supervision, or unsafe animal interactions, you may be able to bring a claim on their behalf. This includes not only physical injuries but also illness or emotional distress caused by the incident.

Yes, in certain circumstances. Diseases passed from animals to humans, known as zoonotic diseases, can sometimes be the result of poor hygiene, lack of appropriate information or preventative measures. If you’ve become ill after contact with an animal and believe it was due to someone else’s negligence, we can help investigate and advise on your legal options.

Strong evidence helps support your claim. This might include medical records, photographs of injuries or the scene, witness statements, and reports to police or animal control authorities. If you’re able, gathering this evidence early can make a big difference. We can also obtain expert veterinary or medical opinions if needed to strengthen your case.

Yes. While many claims are settled through public or pet liability insurance, a lack of insurance doesn’t necessarily prevent you from claiming. We can explore all possible routes to compensation, including direct claims against the owner or, in rare circumstances, through alternative sources such as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, depending on the incident.

An owner may argue that the injury was unforeseeable, that reasonable precautions were taken, or that the injured person was at fault – for example, by ignoring warning signs or behaving in a way that provoked the animal. Our role is to counter these arguments with clear evidence and expert support, ensuring your side of the story is properly understood.

Injuries abroad can be more complex but are still often claimable, especially if your trip was booked through a UK-based travel company, or if the incident occurred while working overseas. Depending on where and how the injury occurred, different laws may apply. We have experience in cross-border claims and can guide you through the appropriate legal process.

Yes. The psychological impact of an animal-related incident can be just as serious as physical injuries. If you’ve experienced anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health issues following an attack or frightening experience, this can form part of your compensation claim. We take emotional trauma seriously and will ensure it’s fully addressed in your case.