Can you claim compensation if you are attacked by a bull on a public footpath?
Most people associate cattle with peaceful countryside walks, but the reality can be very different.
Personal injury lawyer Jasmine Moxey-Butler regularly represents clients who have been seriously injured by livestock, and one recent case highlights just how dangerous these situations can become.
The facts of the case.
Jasmine’s client was walking his dogs along a public right of way in Devon. When he returned to his car around 30 minutes later, the situation had changed:
- A herd of cattle had been confined in a narrow section of the footpath
- Both exit gates were shut
- There was no alternative route available
He had little choice but to proceed.
As he carefully walked through the herd, the cows initially moved aside. However, he was unaware a bull was present. Without warning, the bull charged at him and forced him into a wall with significant force.
He genuinely believed he was going to be killed.
Our client’s injuries resulting from the bull attack.
The consequences for Jasmine’s client were serious and immediate. As a result of the bull attack, our client suffered the following injuries:
- Cracked ribs
- Chest wall injury
- Laceration to the forehead
- Neck and lower back injuries
- Significant bruising to the right side of the body
- Ongoing vertigo and neurological symptoms
The impact went well beyond physical injury, as he also experienced:
- Psychological distress and intrusive thoughts
- Loss of confidence walking in the countryside
- Sleep disturbance
- Fatigue and reduced daily functioning
At one stage, he was bedbound for several weeks and unable to work for approximately 2–3 months.
Why an incident like this should never happen.
This was not simply an “unfortunate accident”. There were clear risk factors:
- A bull present on a public footpath
- Cattle confined in a restricted, unavoidable route
- No warning signage
- No alternative safe route for members of the public
Importantly, the Health and Safety Executive later advised that:
- Warning signs should have been installed
- Alternative routes should have been considered
Who is legally responsible when someone is attacked by a bull on a public footpath?
Farmers and landowners owe legal duties to the public using footpaths across their land. These duties arise under:
- The Animals Act 1971
- The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957
In cases involving bulls and cattle, liability often arises where:
- The risk of injury was foreseeable
- The animal’s behaviour posed a known danger
- Reasonable steps were not taken to protect the public
Placing members of the public in a confined space with cattle — particularly where a bull is present — is a significant and avoidable risk.
Fortunately, Jasmine was able to use these arguments to secure compensation for her client.
What can you do if you are attacked by a bull?
If you are injured by a cow or bull while using a public footpath, then it is important to take specialist legal advice.
We offer a free consultation service and will consider who is legally responsible for the incident and your right to claim compensation for:
-
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earnings
- Treatment and rehabilitation
- Psychological injury
Jasmine specialises in claims involving cattle and livestock injuries, and our firm has been independently ranked in the top 10 law firms in the UK dealing with cattle attacks, out of a total of 2,652 practices*.
These cases are often misunderstood — and many people wrongly assume that there is nothing they can do.
That is not the case. So, if you’ve been injured by a cow or bull, then contact Jasmine for a free consultation:
- She will assess your claim expertly
- She will give you clear, honest advice
- She can act on a No Win, No Fee basis
Call: 0333 888 0404
Email: [email protected]
Slee Blackwell Solicitors are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We specialise in cattle attack claims throughout England and Wales.
