The Tragic Incident of a Horse Rider on a Country Lane

How our Personal Injury Solicitors helped our client (“A”) secure justice after a devastating horse-riding incident:

Background

A, had been a keen horse rider since the age of 8, she suffered a life-altering incident while riding her beloved horse on a quiet country lane.

A was an experienced rider, deeply passionate about her horse, together when A was not at her work as a nurse they enjoyed hacking the local country lanes and attended the odd show. The horse was a much-loved member of the family bought for A when she turned 16.

Tragically, an encounter with a negligent driver transformed a routine ride into a devastating accident.

The Incident

On a clear afternoon, A was riding her horse along a quiet country lane, a route she had taken countless times before. As she navigated the lane, a car approached from behind. The defendant driver, either unaware of or disregarding the proper protocol for passing horses, drove dangerously close to A and her horse. The proximity and suddenness of the car startled the horse, causing it to rear in panic. In the ensuing chaos, the horse collided with the car, resulting in a horrific accident.

The Consequences

The repercussions of this accident were severe:

• Injuries to A: A suffered multiple spinal fractures, necessitating an extensive period of convalescence. Her injuries caused significant pain, required prolonged medical treatment, and hindered her ability to work, leading to a substantial loss of earnings.
• Loss of the Horse: The collision tragically resulted in the death of A’s much-loved horse. The emotional and psychological impact of losing her cherished companion compounded A’s physical suffering.
• Emotional Trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, A faced considerable emotional distress. The bond between a rider and their horse is profound, and losing her horse was akin to losing a family member.

Legal Framework and Guidance

The defendant driver’s failure to adhere to the guidelines for passing horses safely was a critical factor in this case. According to the Highway Code and the British Horse Society (BHS) campaign, drivers must exercise caution when passing horses:

• Highway Code: The code explicitly advises drivers to pass horses wide and slow, leaving at least 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) of space and reducing speed significantly.
• BHS Campaign: The BHS’s “Dead Slow” campaign reinforces this guidance, emphasising the importance of reducing speed to a maximum of 15 mph and providing ample space to avoid startling the horse.

The defendant’s ignorance or disregard for these guidelines constituted negligence, directly leading to the accident.

Making a Horse Accident Claim

Recognising the defendant’s clear negligence, we pursued a comprehensive legal case to recover compensation for A. The compensation package addressed several aspects:

• Injuries and Medical Costs: Compensation for A’s spinal injuries, covering medical expenses and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Loss of Earnings: Recovery of lost wages due to A’s inability to work during her recovery period.
• Care Costs: Compensation for the cost of care and assistance required during A’s convalescence.
• Valuation of the Horse: A monetary valuation for the loss of A’s horse, acknowledging not just its financial value but also its sentimental importance.

Conclusion

This case highlights the critical need for drivers to understand and follow safety guidelines when encountering horses on the road. The tragic loss and severe injuries suffered by A highlight the devastating consequences of such negligence. Through legal action, we were able to secure a measure of justice for A, providing financial relief and acknowledging the profound impact of her loss. This case serves as a stark reminder of the shared responsibility on our roads and the need for increased awareness and education among drivers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Speak directly to a Personal Injury Claims expert

If you or a loved one has experienced a similar tragedy or any personal injury, our dedicated team of experts is here to help. We understand the profound impact such incidents can have on your life and are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Call our team on 0191 691 3416 or request a callback on our website today.

Claiming Compensation for an Accident at Work in England and Wales

Experiencing an accident at work can be a life-changing event, with the potential to impact your health, livelihood, and family circumstances.

At Browell Smith & Co Solicitors, we understand the challenges you could face after an accident at work. Our team are dedicated to helping you recover financial losses and access necessary aids, adaptations, or even private medical treatments if required. Our Personal Injury Solicitors will support you and your family throughout the entire process, ensuring you receive the compensation and care that you deserve.

Understanding Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can occur in many forms and industries, and quite often they can lead to serious injuries and even financial hardship.

Common types of workplace accidents include:

• Falls from Height: Particularly prevalent in construction and maintenance roles, falls from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs can result in severe injuries.
• Defective Equipment: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment can cause significant harm to workers.
• Back Injuries from Heavy Lifting: Improper lifting techniques or insufficient training can lead to debilitating back injuries.
• Accidents Involving Plant or Machinery: Workers can be run over or struck by heavy machinery due to inadequate safety protocols or a failure to separate pedestrians from plant equipment.

Claiming Compensation for a Workplace Accident

If you have been injured in a workplace accident due to employer negligence or unsafe working conditions, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This compensation can help cover:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for immediate and ongoing medical treatments.
• Financial Losses: Lost wages and potential future earnings.
• Necessary Aids and Adaptations: Modifications to your home or workplace to accommodate your injury.
• Private Medical Treatments: Access to specialised care and rehabilitation

How Browell Smith & Co Can Help

Our team of experienced solicitors are here to guide you through the process of claiming compensation for a workplace accident. We offer comprehensive support, ensuring your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism throughout.

1. Expert Legal Advice

We provide clear and expert legal advice tailored to your specific situation. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible for you and your family.

2. Thorough Case Management

From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers or dealing with litigation in Court, we manage every aspect of your claim. Our thorough approach ensures that all details are covered, giving you peace of mind.

3. Support for Your Recovery

We work to secure compensation that not only addresses immediate needs but also covers future medical treatments and necessary adaptations. Our team will support you in accessing private medical care if required, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment.

Case Study: Roofer Injured Due to Lack of Safety Equipment

P, a 35-year-old roofer, experienced a severe accident at work when he fell from a roof due to his employer’s failure to provide suitable scaffolding and a harness. Despite repeatedly requesting the necessary safety equipment, P was forced to work under unsafe conditions.

One day, while working on a residential roof, P lost his balance and fell 15 feet to the ground. He sustained multiple fractures, including a broken leg and several cracked ribs, leading to prolonged hospital stays and extensive rehabilitation.

P’s injuries not only caused him immense physical pain but also left him unable to work for several months, resulting in significant financial strain on his family.

Our team can immediately begin gathering evidence, including witness statements and safety records from employers and the Health & Safety Executive. We can gather evidence to demonstrate negligent failures and recover compensation to cover financial losses for clients like P and their family, in addition to claiming the costs of private medical treatment and any aids adaptations or alternative accommodation needs that may arise as a result of the injury. We work closely with medical experts, case managers and rehabilitation providers to ensure that our clients are fully supported throughout the process.

Speak to our expert solicitors today!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident, Browell Smith & Co Solicitors are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you claim the compensation you deserve.

For more information or to schedule a home visit, please call us at 0191 691 3416 or request a callback on our website. At Browell Smith & Co, we are here to help you navigate this difficult journey with compassion and expertise.

Asbestos responsible for the death of almost 150 health and education workers

Fresh concerns have been raised about the dangers of asbestos remaining in dilapidated schools and hospitals after new analysis found that almost 150 health and education workers were recorded as dying from cancer-related illnesses to the material in recent years.

Mesothelioma is a cancer which occurs almost entirely in cases where the individual has been exposed to asbestos often in very small amounts.

Figures supplied by the Office of National Statistics have recorded 147 deaths among staff working in schools, universities and hospitals. Although mesothelioma has typically been associated with occupations such as shipbuilding and engineering the occupations of the 147 recorded deaths were teachers, nurses, lecturers, doctors, psychologists and radiologists.

Concerned by the increasing risks of poorly maintained school and hospital buildings The Health and Safety Executive have launched a programme of inspections to investigate how schools are able to best manage the risks of asbestos in buildings and to examine carefully the ongoing risks presented to staff pupils and patients in many existing buildings.

Asbestos Exposure Claims

If you are a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma having worked in a school or hospital building that may have contained asbestos our specialist team of Asbestos Lawyers can advise you as to whether you can bring a claim and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family. You will receive 100% of your compensation and we will not charge any fees if you win.