£60,000 award for man injured by crazed cow
A ST JUST pet shop owner who was catapulted five feet in the air by a crazed cow has been awarded £60,000 compensation.
Brian Clemens, of Clemo's Pets and DIY store, was attacked by the animal while working as a dairy farmer at Manor Farm in Dorset back in 2004.
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Brian Clemens: "I will never go near cows again for the rest of my life." Picture: Roger Pope
"It was absolutely terrifying and I will never go near cows again for the rest of my life," he said.
The 49-year-old ex-dairy farmer was attacked by a cow which was distressed because her calf had been taken away by farm workers moments after birth.
"She was agitated about her calf and I was an easy target," he said.
"She charged me and then went to charge again, but slipped and fell on top of me. I was totally trapped, I couldn't move a muscle. It was an accident, but it could have been prevented. The calf should not have been taken away from the cow so soon after birth," he said.
Mr Clemens lost three years of earnings and had hip and shoulder surgery, regaining only 80% mobility following the attack.
In addition to two operations, his recovery included occupational therapy, physiotherapy and an electric bed in the living room because he could not walk up the stairs.
He described the compensation process as a difficult route but said he was satisfied with his compensation pay out.
After deductions made by his former employers' insurance company for medical treatment and scans, he was awarded £41,500.
"It's a fair settlement but I'm on painkillers for the rest of my life," he said.
James Reilly, the personal injury lawyer from law firm Ralli, helped secure the £60,000 settlement.
The case was brought against the owner of Manor Farm, Simon Ward, and his insurers, NFU Mutual, paid out.
Mr Reilly told The Sun newspaper, outside the court: "Brian lost out on three years earnings during his recovery period and faced financial and emotional hardship as he was forced to leave his home and the job he loved.
"This was an employer's liability case and we are happy Brian has been recompensed for his injuries. This case has had a traumatic and long-lasting effect on his life."
6 Comments
by Jon Quixley, Milan, Italy
Tuesday, August 26 2008, 9:23AM
“Of Madron Daniels School? Best of luck and enjoy - fellow ex-pupil”
by Mary, Camborne
Monday, August 25 2008, 1:35PM
“This tragic accident happened because the cow was treated as a 'thing' rather than an animal with the natural instincts of one which has just given birth. It is obvious that she would react aggressively to having her calf taken away, and it is vary sad that Mr Clemens was the receptor of her distress . The compensation he received would not in any compensate him for the pain he endured and the loss of 20% mobility.”
by Lynda Cumberland, Nottinghamshire
Thursday, August 21 2008, 2:31PM
“I would be interested to know if the Manor Farm in the story was the one at Hooke, near Beaminster. I spent many happy years there in the Fifties and Sixties as my Aunt and Uncle had the farm then. I remember it well, but they never had any crazy cows!”
by Jose Vertabra, Pamplona
Thursday, August 21 2008, 11:34AM
“Ole!”
by Moo moo, Plymouth
Thursday, August 21 2008, 9:30AM
“He milked it for all its worth!”
by Glenn Musselburgh, Penzance
Thursday, August 21 2008, 9:19AM
“A cow is not 'crazed' because it attempts to protect its newborn, which is being taken from it. It is no more than a natural act, unlike us humans consuming milk (an infant food after all) throughout our lives.
Cow's milk is for calves!”