A 78 year old man has died after being trampled to death by a herd of cows at Hopping Farm in Middleton-by-Youlgreave.
It is understood that the man, named as Mr. Timothy Stephenson, was out walking his pet Labrador through the fields when the tragedy struck and he was later found by a rambler with multiple injuries and still surrounded by the cows. Mr. Stephenson was still alive when found and was rushed to Stoke-on-Trent hospital for treatment, however he did not recover and he died the next day from his injuries.
Mr. Stephenson told the rambler who found him that his dog had spooked the herd causing them to turn aggressive and charge. He tried to get away but it is believed that he tripped and a wall prevented him from escaping.
This tragic accident has led to safety experts making a public warning of the potential risk of cows and other farm animals to members of the public, particularly those walking with dogs.
A Health and Safety Executive officer who was involved in the investigation of this case said that farm animals posed a potential risk to the public and warned that “Cattle may take a dislike to a dog and decide to have a go as they see it as a threat to themselves or their calves. If the dog’s owner gets in the way there is a chance of being knocked to the ground“.
This is just one of a number of similar accidents involving people being injured or killed by cows and earlier this year a fire fighter from Somerset was charged with manslaughter after an incident in 2009 when a 75 year old farmer was trampled by 100 cows and later died after suffering serious chest and head injuries. It is alleged that the cows trampled the farmer after they were spooked by the fire engine siren. The fire fighter has been suspended from his job and is currently on bail until his trial resumes on 2nd July 2010.
If you have sustained injuries in an accident that was not your fault then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Ensure that you contact a specialist personal injury lawyer who can give you comprehensive legal advice on whether you have a claim to access the compensation you may be entitled to.
