Sample Jury Verdicts Involving Livestock Accidents

The following are some examples of various jury verdicts or settlements in cases involving livestock accidents.  These amounts vary greatly, as do the underlying facts of each case.

 

CARLSON v. CERTAIN TEED CORP.

District Court of Minnesota, Tenth Judicial District, Wright County.

No. C2-92-1350

DATE OF VERDICT/SETTLEMENT: June 17, 1994

Plaintiff was a passenger in a car which was struck by a horse.  The horse had escaped from a farm which used restraining electric fence tape.  Plaintiff settled the case for $80,000 with the landowner and the driver.

Truax vs. Chimineas Ltd.

Superior Court, San Luis Obispo County, California.

Verdict/Judgment Date: November 20, 1997

Verdict/Judgment Amount: $1,010,000

A cow wandered off Defendant’s property, and a driver collided with the cow, sending the cow airborne. The cow crashed through Plaintiff’s windshield and killed Plaintiff.

BULFER V

Superior Court, Sacramento County, California

Verdict/Judgment Date: November 20, 1997

Verdict/Judgment Amount: $600,000

Plaintiff was injured in a motorcycle accident involving a cow that escaped from the owners property.  Plaintiff was in a coma for several days. He suffered a fractured jaw, fractured elbow, traumatic brain injury, and injuries to his back, shoulder, and leg.  After the accident, he was in rehabilitation and was unable to return to work representing a substantial loss of earnings.