Horse riding is a hugely popular activity enjoyed by millions of people each year in the United Kingdom. It is also inevitably, involving as it does a large, unpredictable animal, a far from risk-free activity. Most of the people who engage in equestrian activities are aware, from training or experience, of those risks and take appropriate precautions and are also aware of their duty of care to other horse riders and of the duty of care owed to them by, for instance, the drivers of motor vehicles or the owners of riding schools or stables.

When an accident occurs due entirely or partially to a duty of care not being discharged, for example if a car driver collides with a horse and rider, due entirely to the driver’s negligence or recklessness, there exists the possibility of making an equestrian accident claim. The compensation claim award arising from such a claim might need to cover the costs of the horse’s vet treatment and what could amount to considerable expense relating to the injuries sustained by the rider.

The process of making an equestrian accident claim can be extraordinarily complex as several parties might be liable for safety regarding horses and riders in any given situation. It is therefore highly advisable for the accident victim to request the services of an experienced legal professional if they are considering making a claim. Personal injury solicitors with extensive experience in the area of equestrian accident compensation claims will understand about current safety and legal issues in the equestrian sector. They will be able to accurately assess whether or not the claim will be viable and if it is, progress it effectively and with determination to achieve the fairest settlement achievable. The evidence for establishing that the victim was owed a duty of care and was not to blame for the accident which caused their injuries, which might include anything from bruising and abrasions through to multiple fractures and serious head or spinal injuries, is drawn from the circumstances of the accident. The evidence can be in the form of witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, police reports if the accident took place on a public road, the entry in the accident book if the injury took place in a workplace and details of the victim’s injuries from medical reports. Both the victim, if their injuries do not prevent from doing so, and the solicitor acting for them, must accumulate this evidence at the time of the accident or as soon afterwards as possible. Medical reports on the injuries received and the victim’s prognosis (how long recovery will take and how complete it will be) will also have a material bearing on the calculation of the compensation award and the solicitor will ensure such documentation comes from the most appropriate medical specialists.

As an equestrian accident victim recovers from the trauma of their accident and the consequences of their injuries, a sympathetic and experienced compensation solicitor will be able to lift much of the strain and frustrations of making an accident claim from their shoulders.

Tim Bishop is senior partner of specialist accident and medical negligence compensation claim solicitors, Bonallack and Bishop. For help with your compensation claim, visit their specialist website at http://www.how-to-claim-compensation.co.uk or phone them directly on 01722 422300.