Can I Sue if a Dog Attack Made My Horse Throw Me?

 Posted on February 23, 2026 in Animal Attacks

If you ride horses, you know that dogs can be a serious danger. Even a well-trained horse can panic when a dog rushes at it. If the dog makes contact with your horse, things can become even more dangerous. If you end up getting thrown, you might suffer broken bones, a concussion, or even permanent injuries. If your horse is injured, you may be facing serious veterinary bills or even your horse’s death. 

Many riders in this situation want to know if they can hold the dog's owner responsible, if only so they don’t allow the same thing to happen to another rider. If you were injured when your horse was attacked by a dog, a Naperville personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options.

Can a Dog Owner Be Held Liable if Their Dog Scares My Horse?

Dog owners in Illinois have a legal responsibility to control their animals. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), a dog owner can be held liable if their dog attacks or injures someone without that person provoking the animal.

A situation where a dog attacks your horse is slightly different because the dog did not attack you directly. However, if the dog's actions caused you to fall and be injured, you may still have a strong case. You will likely need to show that the dog owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent their animal from causing harm.

What Do I Need to Prove to Win My Case?

The Dog Actually Attacked or Aggressively Approached Your Horse

This could include barking, lunging, chasing, or biting. Witnesses who saw the incident can be very helpful. Photos or videos of the event are even better. Many riders wear helmets or body cameras for exactly this reason.

The Dog Owner Was Negligent or Violated a Local Leash Law

You will need to show that the owner failed to control their dog in a situation where they should have. Many Illinois counties and cities require dogs to be on leashes in public spaces. If you were riding on a public trail marked for equestrian use, or if the dog escaped from the owner's property due to poor containment, you have a stronger case. If the incident happened in a more remote area with unclear property lines, it may be harder to prove negligence.

You Suffered Real Injuries Because of Your Horse's Reaction

Medical records, hospital bills, and doctors' notes about your injuries are important evidence. Keep track of any work you missed because of your injuries, as well as any ongoing treatment costs.

What Kind of Damages Can I Recover?

If your case is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment
• Lost wages if your injuries kept you from working
• Pain and suffering for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
• Property damage if your saddle, tack, or other gear was damaged
• Veterinary bills if your horse was also injured during the attack
• Permanent disability or disfigurement if your injuries have long-term effects

What if the Dog Owner Claims I Assumed the Risk by Riding a Horse?

Dog owners sometimes argue that horseback riding is dangerous by nature and that you accepted that risk when you chose to ride. Illinois does recognize the concept of assumption of risk in some situations. However, this does not protect a dog owner who allowed their animal to attack a horse and rider. You accept some risk when you ride, but you do not accept the risk of someone else's negligence or failure to control their pet.

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible for what happened.

Call a DuPage County Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If a dog attack caused you injuries for any reason, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Naperville personal injury attorneys at Dog Bite Injury Lawyer - Mevorah Law Offices LLC are aggressive, experienced, and willing to go to trial to fight for you. 

Our large firm brings over 175 years of collective legal experience to every case. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so we will not collect payment from you unless we win your case. Contact Dog Bite Injury Lawyer - Mevorah Law Offices LLC at 630-552-6860 today for a free consultation.