Is your employer liable when you’re injured by an animal at work?

In addition to negligence law, some animal injury claims may also fall under the Animals Act 1971. This legislation makes the person in control of an animal — often an employer — legally responsible for injuries caused by animals, even when no one has acted negligently. 

Many successful animal injury compensation claims arise when an animal behaves in a way that is natural for its species but still results in harm. For example, a horse bolting when frightened, kicking out when startled, or biting under stress are all recognised “flight responses.” These are normal animal behaviours, but the Act acknowledges that they can still cause serious injury. 

Importantly, an employer cannot defend a claim by arguing that an experienced employee accepted the risks of working with unpredictable animals. The law recognises that workers take those risks for the benefit of their employer, the animal’s owner, or, in some cases, the paying public — such as in horse racing, eventing, and other animal-related sports. 

We represent clients: 

• kicked in the face leading a horse 
• With complex leg fractures caused by other horses kicking whilst riding 
• Suffering serious orthopaedic injuries and brain injuries caused by horses shying on the gallops 
• With crushed pelvis injuries caused by horses rearing over. 
• With devastating knee injuries caused by faulty tack like snapped stirrup leathers. 

We represent farm workers injured by steers kicking and bulls crushing or cows protecting their calves. If cows are being moved in poorly maintained pens, or if there aren’t enough trained staff to help with the task, an injury could easily result. Even experienced farmers can be crushed or trampled if animals are startled — so the employer must assess and manage those risks and arrange insurance. 

We have also represented clients who have suffered serious injuries caused by aggressive pigs, as well as veterinary nurses who sustained disabling hand injuries from cats. Our team has extensive experience handling incidents like these, and many others so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’ve been involved in an accident caused by an animal. 

If you’re injured and can’t work, your employer does not have to pay your full wage unless your contract says so. Most people will get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), and perhaps some additional pay if their contract provides for it. 

However, if your injury was caused by your employer’s negligence — or by dangerous behaviour of an animal for which they are legally responsible — you can make a personal injury claim. This is separate from your employment rights and aims to put you back in the financial position you would have been in had the accident not happened. 

• your loss of earnings (past and future), 
• medical and rehabilitation costs, 
• pain and suffering, 
• and the cost of care or adaptations if needed. 

This means that even if your sick pay is limited, a successful claim can recover the shortfall. 

In industries such as farming, equestrian work, and construction, it’s common for people to be classed as self-employed or to work on zero-hours contracts. However, your tax status alone does not determine whether you can make an injury claim. 

What really matters is the nature of your working relationship. If you were taking instructions from someone, using their equipment, working set hours, or operating as part of their team, the law may recognise you as an employee or worker for the purposes of health and safety responsibilities — even if you pay your own tax. 

So, don’t assume you’re unable to make a work injury claim just because you’re described as “freelance” or “self-employed.” It’s always worth speaking to a specialist personal injury solicitor to find out where you stand and what compensation you might be entitled to. 

In almost every case, employers are required by law to have Employers’ Liability Insurance. This insurance exists precisely to cover injuries to employees and workers. 

So, while the claim is technically against your employer, it’s the insurer who pays any compensation, legal costs, and rehabilitation expenses. Your employer’s premium might rise, but they don’t personally fund your compensation. 

The claims process generally involves: 

1. investigating the accident — understanding what happened and whether proper safety measures were in place. 
2. sending a formal claim to the employer’s insurer. 
3. medical evidence to assess the extent of your injuries. 
4. negotiating settlement, including loss of earnings and long-term impact. 

Most claims are resolved without the need for a court hearing.

Many injured workers worry that making a claim will cause tension or lead to disciplinary action. In reality, your employer cannot lawfully treat you unfavourably for exercising your legal right to claim compensation. 

If you are still employed, it’s understandable to worry about relationships at work. But the process is handled through insurance — and most employers accept that accidents happen and that claims are part of the system. 

If you were to be dismissed or disciplined because you brought a legitimate claim, that could give rise to a separate claim for unfair or wrongful dismissal.