PERSONAL INJURY COMPENSATION AWARDED TO WALKER TRAMPLED BY CATTLE

July 23rd, 2009 Hinchliffes

A man who was unable to work for 5 months after being trampled by a herd of cows is to receive over £10,000 in personal injury compensation from the negligent landowner.

Inspector Chris Poole made his injury compensation claim for injuries including a punctured lung; 4 broken ribs and a severed artery, which he suffered when he was crushed by a herd of around 30 cattle while walking his dog on the Sussex Downs.

The accident claim was successful because farmers and landowners have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of people on their land, and thereby avoid accident injury claims arising, which in most cases are dealt with by their insurers. They should at the very least take basic safety measures, such as putting up warning signs or fences where their animals are likely to be aggressive or behave in an unusual manner.

Animals that are normally docile, such as cows, can behave in an intimidating or aggressive way in certain situations, for example, if their protective maternal instincts are aroused by disturbances such as the presence of a dog, even when it is on a lead and under control.

COMMENT:-

Farmers and landowners must ensure people are made aware that they are potentially putting themselves at risk when they enter a field containing animals that may present a danger. This can include cows and bulls, horses and pigs. By taking these steps they may be able to avoid personal injury claims arising, or perhaps avoid responsibility when accident claims are made.

Walkers should also take care. If you are out with your dog keep it on a lead. However if the animals in the field start to act aggressively, they may well go after the dog and if you do not drop the lead you may end up being injured. The dog’s speed and agility will usually mean it can escape harm.

If you become nervous while in the field, but are not actually being threatened by the animals, simply carry on as normal, but do not run. If possible, move to the edge of the field and find another route.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have suffered any form of accident or contracted an industrial disease contact personal injury claims specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make a claim for personal injury compensation. All cases are conducted on a Free No Win No Fee claims basis, where you keep 100% of the compensation recovered.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to one of our specialist claims solicitors or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your accident compensation claim online.