Horse Kicks in Illinois Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries

 Posted on February 21,2022 in Animal Attacks

Although Illinois may be globally known for Chicago’s outstanding food and nightlife, many Illinoisians love the rural landscape of the rest of the state. Livestock, such as cows, horses, and sheep, are kept on farms and large residential properties all over Illinois and a rural lifestyle gives ample opportunities for learning to train, care for, and spend time with farm animals. 

Horses, in particular, are often raised to be ridden for fun, shown in fairs and festivals, and used for practical purposes. While most interactions between humans and horses are safe, horses are very big animals with a particular power that anyone who has spent time around horses recognizes as a significant danger: A horse kick, especially with the hind legs, has the potential to seriously injure and even kill someone who is standing behind or beside the animal. 

More than 100,000 horse-related injuries occur in the U.S. every year, and children in particular may be more susceptible to serious injuries from a kicking horse because they are often unaware of proper horse safety and the warning signs that a horse has become agitated or spooked. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured by a horse kick in Illinois, you may benefit from a consultation with a personal injury attorney. 

Common Horse Kick Injuries 

Horses may not be the most intelligent animals in the animal kingdom, but they are equipped with powerful instincts that protect them from predators. Even the calmest horse can be startled, leading them to lash out with their front or back legs. Most serious horse kick injuries occur to experienced equestrians who are grooming a horse or walking or standing behind it. 

But horses out to pasture are often approached by strangers, especially children who may not be aware of proper horse etiquette. Horses that jump out of or escape from paddocks also pose a hazard to drivers and passers-by. Common injuries from horse kicks include, but are not limited to: 

• Orbital, midface, or mandibular fractures 
• Broken or fractured bones
• Contusions
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Haematomas
• Concussion
• Skull fracture

A horse kick can happen quickly and seemingly without provocation, leaving a victim stunned and in need of urgent medical attention. If you have been kicked by a horse, it is important to get a full physical assessment to make sure you are not harmed. Even mild exterior bruising can belie serious internal damage. 

Call a Cook County Equine Injuries Lawyer

Horses are large, powerful animals that can cause serious injuries, especially to young children. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured by a horse kicking, bucking, or trampling, consider getting help from an experienced Cook County horse kick injury attorney with Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices. We have worked with many debilitating injuries from a variety of animals and will take your case seriously. Call us today to schedule a free case review at 630-552-6860. 

Sources: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21694587/ 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2074&ChapterID=58