Animal Injury Claims & Animal Attack Claims.

In the event of an animal attack you should seek immediate medical attention. The best course of action is to get the wounds cleaned out as quickly as possible to prevent any infection and future complications. You’ll also be issued with a medical report. As irrefutable proof that you were injured by an animal, this will significantly strengthen your claim for compensation.

After taking these steps, you need to file a report at the nearest police station. The police will then decide if anyone else is at risk of being attacked by the same animal and take the necessary steps to prevent this from happening. You should also take photographs of your injury and if possible, of the animal involved and ask for the contact details of as many people who were at the scene at that time who witnessed the attack.

There are many industries in which working with animals is a standard part of the job. But just because you know the risks, doesn’t mean you are not entitled to compensation if  an accident occurs.

Employers have a duty to assess the risks of working with, and handling or moving, livestock. If this is not done adequately and a farm worker, stockman or wildlife worker is injured, a claim can be made for compensation. This also includes situations such as a lack of appropriate training, protective clothing, supervision or support when you are handling the animal(s) you’re working with.

Whether you are working with untrained animals on a farm or zoo, or working with animals trained for work, such as police dogs and horses, if an accident happens as the result of another person’s negligence, you are entitled to be compensated for any injuries or losses you sustained.

If you are injured during the course of your work, making a claim for compensation can ensure you are able to meet additional expenses, such as any time off work needed as a result of your injury, or any medical treatment that may be required.

Livestock considered accustomed to humans, such as pigs, sheep and cows, can all attack and cause serious or even fatal injuries – especially if animals sense danger and are afraid, are hungry or have young.

All animals can be unpredictable, and this unpredictability makes them potentially dangerous.

According to a report by the HSE, 23% of all farm-related deaths were caused by incidents involving animals including cattle.

While the majority of livestock are thought to be domesticated creatures, they can still be extremely volatile when they feel anxious or frightened. For example, bulls and cows are capable of charging at innocent bystanders and causing serious injuries.

Animal owners have a duty of care to make sure they are correctly controlled and supervised when public access is available. Compensation can be claimed for injuries sustained on farmland and footpaths through parks where wild animals graze. Dangers should be clearly signposted with information about the risks of being in close contact with farm animals, livestock or wild animals like deer – especially at specific times of the year when animals may be aggressive to protect their young.

Members of the public injured by livestock can also claim if animals stray onto roads or train tracks causing road traffic accidents or train accidents.

Injuries caused by dangerous livestock which can be claimed for include:

• Amputation/loss of limb injuries
• Animal bites
• Brain/head injury
• Concussion
• Crush injuries
• Dislocation
• Fractures
• Gore injuries
• Kick injuries
• Lacerations and scarring
• Spinal/back injury
• Trampling injuries
• Zoonotic infections