Dogs knock over my mother, broken arm, what can I do.

digimortal_2

Hi,

As the title says really, Im now left looking after my elderly mother, with a broken arm, after being knocked over by two dogs running around while out walking.

What should or can I do about this, I have the name and mobile number of the dog owners, they said they have dog insurance.

I feel its wrong how people can let there dogs run wild in a public place, cause injury to my mother who just happens to be walking past them at the time. She is the one left with 5 hours in A&E, costs of hospital trips and the hassle of having an arm in a sling, while the owners just continue there day..

bit of a rant, but thanks for any help or assistance..

Fire_Fox

Sounds like an accident, what do you mean by public place? When your mother is well enough she might consider tai chi classes or similar - there have been a couple of interesting studies associating this with reduced risk of falls, improved balance and proprioception.

krlyr

Firstly I would consider that accidents happen - would you sue the parents of a child that bumped into your mum and knocked her over during a game of 'tag'? At least the owners stopped and gave their info, and have been responsible enough to get their dog insured.
If you do decide it's worth persuing then it may be worth seeing if your mum's home insurance has legal cover she could go through. I imagine it won't be straightforward, especially if your mum doesn't work and has no loss of earnings or immediately obvious financial loss from the accident. I'm certainly not qualified enough to say how it would work but the legal team on her home insurance could give her an idea if it's worth persuing or not.

zaksmum

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Sounds like an accident, what do you mean by public place? When your mother is well enough she might consider tai chi classes or similar - there have been a couple of interesting studies associating this with reduced risk of falls, improved balance and proprioception.

I don't think any amount of tai chi or similar would make any difference to an elderly lady when knocked flying by two dogs running round loose!

Certainly you should be able to claim on the dog owner's insurance. Third party injury insurance is standard on most policies and should cover this.

I do hope your mum is ok.

digimortal_2

Basicly a 67 year old, walking within a National Trust park, dogs not just running around, but very fast along a popular path way, my rant was just with the owners not taking care to put the dogs on a lead.

They were very excited dogs chasing each other, an accident waiting to happen in my mind. I have a friend that walks with 3 dogs off the lead and can walk to heal, not this wild crazy running in a public place like today..

digimortal_2

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Sounds like an accident, what do you mean by public place? When your mother is well enough she might consider tai chi classes or similar - there have been a couple of interesting studies associating this with reduced risk of falls, improved balance and proprioception.

My mum regular walks 5-8 miles a day, she uses a trekking pole, these dogs took the legs from under her, there was nothing she could have done, tai chi or anything, just like a dangerous rugby tackle..

but thanks for your top tip..

meritaten

as the owners stopped and gave details I rather think they will expect a 'claim' on thier pet insurance. contact a 'good' solicitors or even one of the accident 'claim' companies. it should be straightforward.
I do hope your mum is more comfortable now!

I agree that dogs running wild along a public footpath isnt ideal, but they are there for pet owners too - and at least the dogs owners didnt do a 'runner'!

thebull

I think the law states that dog owners MUST have there dogs under control at ALL times .
I would sue them as a dog owner myself I am sick of having too remonstrate with BAD owners who do not keep there charges on a leash .

digimortal_2

thebull wrote: »

I think the law states that dog owners MUST have there dogs under control at ALL times .
I would sue them as a dog owner myself I am sick of having too remonstrate with BAD owners who do not keep there charges on a leash .

Yes I thought it was law to have your dog(s) under control in public places at all times. Hopefully people will read this and think twice before letting them off uncontrolled when around other people, yes countryside area is different, parks and grounds where people walk should have consideration.

Out of control
Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it:
injures someone

https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/overview

headpin

digimortal wrote: »

Yes I thought it was law to have your dog(s) under control in public places at all times. Hopefully people will read this and think twice before letting them off uncontrolled when around other people, yes countryside area is different, parks and grounds where people walk should have consideration.

I do not own a dog and have no axe to grind. I also feel sorry for the injured lady. However, as with many pieces of advice, the legal position is not as black and white as it may seem. The problem here is what is the legal interpretation of "injures"? There is no guidance offered and it may not cover someone being knocked over, but refers tomsay being bitten, mauled, etc. what you need is some proper legal advice from someone who has experience in this area, not some ambulance chasing no win no fee £££ grabber.

olias

Sorry, just had to get my two pennyworth in. !!!!!! it was an accident - the dogs were running around excitedly in a park, that is there for the enjoyment of all - including the excercising of pets.
I used to live in Australia - please god, don't let us end up in with the situation they have there, with dogs banned from national parks, most public beaches and open spaces, and parks, and left with just tiny fenced in off leash areas in selected parks.
Yes, dogs should be under control, but they are animals, and even the best trained ones will occasionally run off like excited children when faced with new smells, places etc.

Olias