Horse Riding Accident Claims: No Win, No Fee

Horse riding is a very popular sport and hobby, with many adults and children taking part in horse riding and spectating at equestrian events. Even the most well-behaved horses can show unexpected, dangerous behaviour in certain circumstances. Horse riding accident claims for compensation may arise as the result of numerous types of accidents involving horses. Injuries suffered as the result of a horse-riding accident can be severe, with life-changing impacts, due to the size and weight of horses.

If you have sustained injuries due to an accident involving a horse, you may be able to bring a claim against the keeper of the horse under the Animals Act 1971 and other pieces of legislation which provide protection to victims of any animal attack.

Common Types of Accidents Involving Horses

Beacon Law has dealt with a number of horse riding accident claims, as well as other types of cases which involve claimants sustaining injuries due to horses. 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 sills 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 those horse riding 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.

Horse riding accidents on the roads – Recent Statistics

The British Horse Society compiles annual data on horse-related accidents happening on roads. The data from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, reveals:

• A total of 3,383 incidents on roads involving horses
• The death of 66 horses, with another 86 suffering injuries
• The fatalities of three individuals, alongside 94 others sustaining injuries from equestrian road accidents
• A significant 85% of these incidents were caused by vehicles either passing horses too closely or at excessive speeds

Injuries Caused by Horse Riding Accidents

Many fatal accidents can be caused by horses, and people have sustained serious injuries whilst horse riding, or undertaking many other activities involving horses. Due to the nature and size of horses, some of the most serious injuries can be caused by them. The most common types of injuries caused by horse accidents include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Crush injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Paralysis

Although many accidents and subsequent injuries involving horses are inevitable, if you have been injured as the result of an accident involving a horse which wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to make a horse-riding accident claim for compensation.

Who Will Your Horse Accident or Horse Riding Accident Claims be Made Against?

Horse riding accident claims will usually be brought against the person or organisation with the duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent you from being injured by a horse. The person who can be deemed responsible for your accident will depend on the circumstances in which the incident occurred.

In most circumstances, the keeper of the horse will be held responsible for any accident caused by their horse.

If the accident happened whilst you were learning to ride a horse, the claim may be brought against the owner or manager of the riding school.

If you have been injured by a horse at work, your employers may be held responsible, and the accident at work claim will be pursued against them.

If you have been injured whilst spectating an equestrian event, the claim

may be brought against the organiser of the event.

What to do Following a Horse Riding Accident

If you have been injured due to a horse or horse riding accident, you should seek urgent medical attention for your injuries 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, including 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 and 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 to discuss the circumstances of your accident with a specialist personal injury solicitor who will advise upon whether you have grounds to make a claim, and the process of making a claim.

If you are unsure as to whether you should make a horse riding accident claim, have a read of our recent article.

You have a time limit of three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim (although this can be extended in certain circumstances), so it is best to initiate the claim soon after the date of the horse accident. When you are ready to speak to someone about making a horse accident compensation claim, get in touch with Beacon Law using the contact details below, or by filling in the form on our “contact us” page.

How Much is Your Horse Riding Accident Claim Worth?

We are unable to make a valuation on the amount of compensation you could receive for your injuries from the beginning of your horse riding accident claim. Your compensation award will be split into general damages for your injuries and special damages for any additional losses.

The level of general damages you receive will be based on your pain, suffering and loss of amenity. The valuation of your general damages will be based on the type and severity of the injury sustained. Personal Injury compensation can be anything from £1,000 to £100,000 (or more) depending on the seriousness of the injuries. It is therefore very difficult to assess the level of damages you may be entitled to without first assessing your injuries and your case in detail.

You may be required to attend an appointment with an independent medical expert who will assess your injuries and provide a detailed report on the severity of your injuries and any further treatment which may be required.

You will also be able to make a claim for special damages which covers any additional losses you sustained as a result of the accident. These can include:

• Loss of earnings for any time taken off work as a result of the sustained injuries.
• Medical treatment costs.
• Travel costs for journeys to and from appointments.
• Compensation for additional care and assistance required as a result of your injures – either paid or unpaid.

How Long Will the It Take to Settle My Horse Riding Accident Claim?

The amount of time taken to settle a horse riding accident claim will depend on many different aspects and complexities within the case, making it difficult to estimate how long it will take to settle. The majority of cases can last anywhere from six months to 2-3 years to settle. Less complex claims, with less severe injuries, usually take less time to settle.

We can request interim payments from the Defendant throughout the progress of the case as long as they have admitted liability for your accident and injuries. These are paid in advance of your settlement figure or the final amount which will be agreed. They are usually smaller payments and can be paid to cover the costs of your needs, such as rehabilitation costs.

When a final amount is agreed between the parties, the interim payment which you have received throughout your case will be deducted from the final amount you receive.

How can Beacon Law Assist with your Horse Riding Accident Claim?

Beacon Law is a personal Injury law firm with a great reputation for providing exceptional service to all clients. Our specialist solicitors and legal professionals have vast experience in handling all types of personal injury claims. We have experience in dealing with horse accident claims and all other types of animal attacks and occupiers liability claims for compensation on a no win, no fee basis. We also provide assistance to claimants who have been involved in an accident at work.

We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and can provide you with the legal advice you require as your personal injury lawyer. We will provide assistance throughout your case and act only within your instructions in progressing the matter.

If you require our assistance or wish to discuss your entitlement to compensation for a horse riding accident, please complete the online contact form on our website, and a specialist solicitor will contact you. Alternatively, you may call us on 0330 1332 857 to discuss your potential case.