Whiplash news -
16/09/2009

Woman wants to claim whiplash compensation for her dog

It has long been known that animals can suffer whiplash; for example, during the 1960s scientists simulated rear-end collisions to induce the injury in hares. However, seldom, if ever, are whiplash claimants dogs; which makes a prospective case in the US, involving a 52-year-old woman and her pet Labrador, a real curiosity to personal injury lawyers here in the UK.

The 52-year-old explains why she believes her dog, Poppy, deserves compensation for the winter 2008 car accident. "I got compensated, so why not," she says.

"If I can find a lawyer... willing to take the case on... I'll proceed.

She also said that ever since the accident Poppy has not been her usual lively self and that she may need physiotherapy.

The woman has rejected accusations that her dog's injury was caused by a canine-friendly seatbelt, arguing instead that it actually served to lessen the severity of Poppy's injuries. The 52-year-old said that, without the harness, Poppy "could have been thrown through the front window... and whiplash would have been the least of our worries."