Claim for Horse Riding Injuries

Horse riding is a widely enjoyed activity, appealing to people of all ages. Whether for sport, leisure, or work, equestrian activities carry certain risks. Accidents can range from minor falls to severe, life-altering injuries. When such incidents occur due to negligence or unsafe conditions, individuals may have the right to pursue a claim for horse riding injuries.

Injuries from horse riding accidents can significantly impact your life, potentially requiring time off work or even a change in career if you’re unable to perform your duties. You may also need additional support from family or friends for daily tasks.

If you’ve been injured in a horse riding accident caused by negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. For more information on how to file a claim for horse riding injuries with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers, don’t hesitate to contact 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.

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

Common injuries from horse riding accidents

 

Head injuries

• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from falls, especially if the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet.
• Skull fractures or brain damage in severe cases.

Spinal injuries

• Damage to the neck or back, including fractures, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries.
• Paralysis in extreme cases (e.g., paraplegia or quadriplegia).

Fractures and broken bones

• Commonly affecting arms, wrists, collarbones, ribs, or legs due to the impact of the fall or being kicked by a horse.
• Pelvic fractures can occur if a rider falls awkwardly.

Soft tissue injuries

• Sprains, strains, or torn ligaments, particularly in the knees, ankles, or shoulders.
• Whiplash or muscle injuries in the neck and back.

Internal injuries

• Damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen, often caused by being trampled or crushed by a horse.
• Internal bleeding from significant trauma.

Facial and dental injuries

• Fractures to the jaw, nose, or cheekbones from falls or horse kicks.
• Broken or knocked-out teeth.

Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations

• Surface injuries caused by falling onto rough ground or being caught in riding equipment.

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 riding injury compensation 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 making a claim for horse riding injuries?

In the UK, the time limit for making a claim for horse riding injuries is typically three years from the date of the accident. This is governed by the Limitation Act 1980, which sets the standard time frame for horse riding injury claims. However, there are some key exceptions to consider:

Children

• If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year limitation period begins on their 18th birthday, giving them until their 21st birthday to make a claim.

Mental incapacity

• If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to manage their own affairs, the three-year time limit does not begin until (or unless) they regain capacity.

Date of knowledge

• If the injured person was unaware that their injury was caused by negligence at the time of the accident, the three-year limitation period may start from the date they became aware (the “date of knowledge”) that negligence contributed to their injury.

Fatal injuries

• In the case of a fatal horse riding accident, the deceased’s family or dependents usually have three years from the date of death or the date they became aware of negligence to file a claim.

How can Beacon Law assist?

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

To find out more about our no win, no fee claims funding and legal fees, please have a look at the funding section on our website.

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.