Can you make a compensation claim following an animal injury?
It is often said we are a nation of animal lovers, however perhaps for reasons outside of our control, we may find ourselves the unwitting victim of an injury caused by a domestic pet or farm animal, indeed any kind of animal. Think about injuries caused by animals and you may immediately think of dog bites. Whilst very common and on the rise (with nearly 22,000 cases of out of control dogs causing injury in England and Wales in 2022*), other types of injuries to people caused by animals include:
- Animals that stray onto a road in front of a motor vehicle
- Riding accidents
- Crushing injuries caused by livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and pigs amongst others
- Children injured by an animal in a petting zoo
In any situation of an injury caused by an animal, the circumstances can often be terrifying and traumatic for the person concerned.
What problems can arise as the result of an animal injury?
Animal injuries can incur both a physical and mental impact on the victim. Not only this, but the financial implications can be considerable, due to:
- Loss of earnings as a result of not being able to work
- The expense of medical treatment
- The repair of your vehicle or other property if damaged by the animal
- Counselling due to psychological trauma incurred
Such impacts can have a very detrimental effect and can often be significantly misunderstood and underestimated.
Am I entitled to claim if I am injured by an animal?
Animal injuries are often legislated under the Animal Act 1971. This was specifically put in place to cover, under law, damage inflicted by animals. The Animal Act 1971 is especially relevant when it comes to dangerous species or if the circumstances meet particular conditions e.g if there was negligence or the owner had provoked the animal to cause attack.
Fortunately, often not every condition needs to be met to secure a successful claim. This is because the law establishing liability of animal attacks can be complicated. At Injury Lawyers 4U, our experienced lawyers will assess the specifics of your case and provide an honest opinion based on the facts you provide.
What are the time limits for making an animal injury claim
If you’ve been injured by an animal and wish to seek compensation, you generally have three years from the date of the incident to start your claim. However, there are important exceptions to be aware of:
- Children: If the injured person is under 18, the three-year time limit starts from their 18th birthday. If you’re a parent or guardian, you can make a claim on their behalf before they turn 18.
- Mental capacity: If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the three-year time limit does not apply until they regain capacity. If the person never regains capacity, there is no time limit for making a claim.
- Accidents abroad: If the injury occurred outside of the UK, the time limit for making a claim may vary depending on the laws of the country where the incident happened.
No matter the circumstances, the best course of action is to initiate a personal injury claim as soon as possible. This is to ensure your legal team has the maximum amount of time to gather evidence and build the strongest possible case. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case and start the process of securing the compensation you deserve. Our team at Injury Lawyers 4U is here to support you every step of the way.
How much compensation can I receive for an animal injury claim?
The amount of compensation you could receive for an animal injury claim depends on several factors. This includes the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and any financial losses you’ve incurred as a result of the injury. Other considerations will include the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, as well as compensation for any long-term effects on your physical or mental health.
To receive an estimate of how much you could be awarded in general damages, use our compensation calculator. For a more detailed assessment, contact our experienced team at Injury Lawyers 4U. We’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your claim.
Next steps
If you have been involved in an incident resulting in an animal injury and wish to inquire as to whether you are entitled to receive compensation, call our offices on 0333 400 4445 to speak to one of our friendly staff. We will evaluate your case and let you know quickly whether it is worth pursuing a claim. Alternatively, you can request a call back and we will be in touch in the manner in which you have requested.
