Personal injury caused by animals: who is responsible?

An accident caused by an animal can happen just like that. A dog that bites, a horse that gets startled, a cat that suddenly crosses the street… In a fraction of a second, your life can change.

Fortunately, the law states that the owner of an animal is liable for the damage caused by the animal. Is there physical injury involved? Then you often have the right to compensation.

When is the Owner of an Animal Liable?

According to Article 6:179 of the Dutch Civil Code, the owner or possessor of an animal is responsible for the damage caused by the animal, even if the animal behaves unexpectedly or unpredictably. This is called strict liability: the animal doesn’t need to be “dangerous” and the owner doesn’t need to have made a mistake.

Common Situations of Personal Injury Caused by Animals

Bitten by a Dog

You’re walking through the park and without warning, a dog jumps on you or bites you. Even if the dog is normally friendly, the owner remains responsible. Dog injuries also occur regularly with children. Think of bite wounds to the face or arms, often with permanent scarring.

Knocked over or Pulled Down

A large dog jumps on you or suddenly pulls on the leash, causing you to fall. This often happens to elderly people or children, resulting in, for example, a broken wrist or hip.

Falling from Someone Else’s Horse

You’re riding someone else’s horse and the animal suddenly gets startled and throws you off. Even if you voluntarily went horseback riding, the owner usually remains liable. Especially if you’re not an experienced rider or if the animal showed unexpected behavior.

Traffic Accident Caused by a Loose Animal

A dog suddenly darts onto the road, you swerve and fall off your bicycle or collide with oncoming traffic. This also falls under the owner’s liability. These types of accidents regularly cause concussions, broken collarbones, or worse.

Horse Causes Collision

A horse breaks loose and runs onto the public road. A car swerves or collides head-on. Here too: if the horse has an owner, they can be held liable for the consequences.

Wild Animals or Loose Livestock

Sometimes there is no clear owner, such as with deer, wild boars, or sheep on the road. In that case, we look at:

• the road authority (for insufficient warning measures)

• the area manager (for poor fencing or animal overpopulation)

If that doesn’t work? Then you may be able to claim on your Occupant Injury Insurance or other damage policy.

Compensation for Injuries Caused by Animals

If the owner is liable, you will be compensated for the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Costs for help or adaptations at home
• Pain and suffering compensation (compensation for pain, discomfort, and psychological impact)

Even if you temporarily cannot work or can no longer pursue your hobby, this will be included in the damage claim.

Usually, the owner’s liability insurance (AVP) pays for the damage – not the owner themselves. So you don’t need to feel uncomfortable about claiming your rights.

Justera Helps You with Personal Injury Caused by Animals

Suffered an injury caused by an animal? You’re not alone. Justera helps you from start to finish:

• We hold the opposing party liable

• We handle contact with the insurer

• Our costs are paid by the liable party

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