Fatal Cattle and Animal Attacks
In August 2009 a farmer died from serious head and chest injuries following an attack by a herd of cows. The cows were reportedly scared by the sound of a fire engine’s siren as they turned and bolted towards Harold Lee, 75. This is the fourth fatal trampling incident involving charging cows this year and comes in the wake of a widely reported injury to former Home Secretary David Blunkett, when he broke his rib after a trampling incident when walking his dog in June.
Cattle attacks
Cattle attacks have previously been rare and in the ten years up to March 2006 only seven cattle attacks resulted in deaths, so it remains to be seen whether this increase will continue or whether this is a statistical anomaly. Some commentators have cited increased roaming rights as a possible reason for the recent increase in attacks. Dog walkers seem to be particularly at risk as often the cattle will charge at the perceived threat the dog poses.
A recent case saw a farmer found liable after cows attacked a woman on a public footpath when walking her dog. The farmer was held liable under the Animals Act, as well as the Occupiers Liability Act, as the court was shown evidence that it is characteristic of cattle to be aggressive.
Boyes Turner's specialist personal injury lawyers have dealt with many personal injury cases involving animal attacks. If you or any member of your family is attacked by an animal you may be entitled to compensation, with both physical and mental injuries being taken into account.
We can you give you free expert advice about how to make a compensation claim for an animal attack.
If you wish to talk to someone about an attack by an animal please call Kim Smerdon or Julia Appleton on our freephone 0800 844 0719 or email us at advice@claims-personalinjury.com.
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.
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