Riding horses is a popular activity enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether for sport, leisure, or work, equestrian activities come with inherent risks. Riders can experience accidents ranging from minor falls to serious injuries, sometimes even life-threatening. When such accidents occur due to negligence or unsafe conditions, victims may be entitled to file horse riding accident claims.

A horse riding injury may cause you to need to take time off work or may even require you to change your job if you are no longer able to perform your duties as a result. You may also require more help and assistance from family or friends in carrying out day-to-day tasks.

If you have been injured in a horse riding accident due to negligence, you may be eligible to claim for compensation. If you would like more information on the process of making a compensation claim with one of our expert personal injury lawyers, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Common types of horse riding accidents

Some of the most common types of accidents involving horses include:

• Horse riders may fall off horses whilst riding as a pastime, competing, or being taught at a riding school.
• Horse accident injuries sustained as the result of being thrown off or kicked by a horse exhibiting dangerous behaviour.
• Accidents at a riding school when a student has been given a horse with the wrong type of temperament to suit their skill level or riding ability.
• Injuries sustained by staff who are working with horses.
• Riders being crushed by a horse falling on top of them.
• Road traffic accidents involving road users and horse owners on the road.
• Injuries to spectators whilst attending an equestrian event.
• Accidents caused by defective, unsuitable, or ill-fitting riding equipment.

In addition to these, riders can also face accidents caused by external factors such as poor weather conditions, slippery ground, or unexpected encounters with animals or vehicles. For example, heavy rain or wind can reduce visibility and cause the horse to spook, increasing the likelihood of falls. Riders may also be injured by improperly maintained facilities such as unsafe fences, unstable surfaces, or inadequate safety gear.

To find out if you could be entitled to horse riding accident compensation following an accident involving a horse, contact Beacon Law today.

What to do following a horse riding accident

If you have been injured due to a horse riding accident, you should seek urgent medical attention for your injuries. A proper medical assessment can help to ensure that you receive appropriate medical treatment. You should report the accident to the keeper of the horse, or manager of the establishment in which your accident took place.

Make a note of all the details of your accident. This includes the time, date, a description of the horse, details of how the accident happened and the injuries sustained. You should also keep a written diary of the progression of your injuries. This also includes any medical treatment which you have received for your injuries.

If you wish to make a horse riding accident claim, get in touch with Beacon Law. Our team can discuss the circumstances of your accident and advise upon whether you have grounds to make a claim. They will also explain the process of making a horse riding accident claim.

What is the horse riding accident claims process?

During your initial consultation, our team of personal injury claims solicitors will provide you with comprehensive legal advice regarding your horse accident claim. They will also inform you about the relevant limitation rules that apply.

Our experienced lawyers will discuss your case and request detailed information about your accident and the injuries you sustained as a result. This information will enable our injury lawyers to assess the likelihood of a successful claim on your behalf.

During the initial stages of your compensation claim, it is crucial to gather relevant evidence to make a no win, no fee agreement claim.

In some cases, your personal injury solicitor may refer you to a medical expert. This is to assess your injuries to obtain detailed medical reports specifically related to your case. A medical assessment by an independent specialist is usually required.

They can provide an expert opinion on the severity of the horse riding injury and its effects. This will help quantify the damages (compensation) you may be entitled to.

If we determine that your injury claim is likely to succeed, we will support your claim and offer our work on a no win, no fee basis. This means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

How much compensation could I receive?

The amount of compensation you can receive for a horse riding injury depends on several factors. This includes the type of injury, its long-term impact on your life, and any financial losses you’ve suffered as a result.

Personal injury compensation is typically split into the following categories:

• General Damages: These damages aim to compensate for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the injury. The severity and long-term effects of the injury are significant factors in determining the general damages awarded.
• Special Damages: Special damages cover the measurable financial losses incurred because of your injuries. This includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, loss of earnings (both past and future), and expenses related to care and support. This also includes any necessary adaptations to the individual’s living arrangements.

It is important to note that there is no fixed compensation award for a horse riding injury compensation claim, as each case is unique. The final compensation amount will be influenced by the specific circumstances and the evidence presented in the case. Our specialist injury solicitors will also advocate for interim payments to cover any immediate costs. This may include private medical treatment and travel expenses.

What are the time limits for horse riding accident claims?

The time limit for making a personal injury claim, known as the limitation period, typically depends on the type of claim. In most personal injury cases in the UK, including those involving horse riding injuries, the claimant has three years from the date of the accident or the date they became aware that their injury was caused by someone else’s negligence (known as the “date of knowledge”).

There are exceptions to this general rule:

• For children: If the injured person is under 18, the three-year limitation period begins on their 18th birthday, meaning they can make a claim until they turn 21. A parent or guardian can also bring a claim on their behalf before they reach adulthood.
• Mental capacity: If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, the time limit is suspended unless they regain capacity. A litigation friend can bring the claim on their behalf during this time.
• Fatal accidents: If the injury results in death, the family or estate has three years from the date of death to make a claim.

It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure the claim is filed within the applicable time frame. Waiting too long could result in losing the right to claim compensation.

How can Beacon Law assist?

At Beacon Law, our team of personal injury claims solicitors are highly experienced and capable of assisting clients with horse riding injury claims. We work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for our clients, and we provide a high standard of service.

If you have suffered an injury at the fault of someone else and you are looking to bring a claim, then please call our team today on 0330 1332 857. Otherwise, you can complete our contact form at the top of the page to request a call back from a member of our team.

Beacon Law is a law firm registered in England and Wales with our registered office based in Manchester. We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.