Victim of cow trampling wins compensation claim

Farmers who have livestock grazing near public rights of way could be affected by the ruling in a recent court case.

Six years ago, Shirley McKaskie suffered serious personal injury when she was trampled by a herd of cows while walking in fields near Penrith, Cumbria.

She was forced to spend months in hospital and subsequently made a compensation claim against the farmer who owned the animals.

Her argument was that potentially dangerous livestock were being left to graze on land where there was a public footpath, with no signs warning people about the possible dangers they could face.

Ms McKaskie secured an interim payout of £250,000 plus costs, although the farmer is to appeal against the ruling.

According to the News and Star, the decision to rule in favour of Ms McKaskie could set a legal precedent for future cases.

“Responsibilities and rights are not always clearly defined,” it observed.

“Only now has the issue been resolved and the ripples will be felt across the county and much further.”

The newspaper added that the recent relaxing of restrictions regarding walking in the countryside could lead to this type of case becoming more common.