Personal Injury

Many people come into contact with animals on a daily basis, whether it be at home, in public or while carrying out their work. We form strong attachments with our pets and are widely considered to be a nation of animal lovers.

Nevertheless, animals are by their nature unpredictable and in certain circumstances can act aggressively or in a way that causes injury to those around them. Sometimes this is due to the temperament of the animal itself or the behaviour of others nearby, sometimes it is entirely unexpected and happens without warning.

The most frequent cause of animal injury claims in this country are attacks by domestic pets, particularly dog bites. However, our team also advises on incidents involving horses, cattle and zoo animals as well as road traffic accidents triggered by animals. A claim for compensation can be made both when harm is inflicted directly by an animal and when people are injured as a consequence of an animal’s actions.

All animal owners, whether they keep pets, livestock or working animals, have a duty of care to the public. In most cases they should have public liability insurance in place to cover liability for any injuries caused by their animals. In situations where individuals or businesses work with animals and/or the public use their facilities or services, the obligations to risk assess and manage the animals and safety of the environment become greater.

Whatever the circumstances surrounding your animal accident or injury claim, our specialist lawyers will be able to support you. We recognise that every case is different and always tailor our advice to each client’s specific needs and objectives. Please contact us for further information and advice.