Five-figure settlement secured for claimant charged by cattle following transfer from another firm

Sam was walking her dog across a public common with a friend in February 2023 when she was approached and then charged at by a herd of cattle grazing in the area.

Sam attempted to seek cover against a hedge but found herself surrounded by the herd, owned by a local farmer. One cow charged Sam, piercing her thigh with one of its horns before her dog distracted the herd and allowed her time to escape.

She was taken to A&E where her wound was cleaned and stitched under local anaesthetic. Unfortunately, her recovery was complicated due to repeated infections which necessitated numerous hospital appointments. Sam has been left with scarring to her thigh and sensory issues as a result of nerve damage. Sadly, some of her neurological symptoms may be permanent.

A claim was pursued under the Animals Act 1971. The Act imposes strict liability on owners and keepers of an animal/s responsible for causing injury in certain circumstances, meaning it is not always necessary to prove an owner or keeper has acted negligently.

Sam initially instructed a different firm of solicitors, who wrote to the farmer who owned the cattle. The farmer had insurance and their insurers responded denying liability. Their denial was based on the fact that the cattle had not caused any prior incidents, that there were no bulls or calves present on the common at the time and, with reference to the Animals Act, that it was not generally recognised cows without calves would cause injury and it was not a characteristic of cows to attack without reason.

In February 2024, Sam approached RWK Goodman after her solicitors were unable to progress the claim having received a denial of liability. RWK Goodman reviewed the case and prepared a detailed response to the insurance company, advising that they had misinterpreted the law.

RWK Goodman drafted a new letter of claim, properly pleading allegations under the Animals Act and referencing supporting case law, and worked with Sam to obtain medical evidence from a plastic surgeon.

The insurance company admitted liability in full immediately, with damages successfully recovered for Sam’s injuries and her financial losses and expenditure.

Sam said: “I’m incredibly grateful to RWK Goodman for taking on my injury claim after an incident involving cattle. From the moment they took over my case, the team was professional, approachable, and genuinely supportive. Both Stephanie and Lizzie went above and beyond to ensure I always felt informed and reassured.

“The process was lengthy and complex, but they kept me updated at every stage and explained everything clearly. I had previously been with another solicitor who was uncommunicative and making no progress, so moving to RWK Goodman made a huge difference.

“Despite the Defendant’s initial denial of liability, they managed to secure a positive outcome, which truly reflects their expertise in claims involving the Animals Act and their persistence and commitment to their clients. The result was better than I had expected, and I can’t thank Stephanie, Lizzie, and the RWK Goodman team enough for their hard work and dedication.

“I would highly recommend RWK Goodman to anyone seeking solicitors who genuinely care, communicate clearly, and deliver excellent results.”