Thankfully, reports indicate that the horse was eventually contained and no major injuries were reported. However, the situation raises an important legal question: if someone had been injured, who could be held responsible?
Potential Defendants in a Horse Carriage Accident Case
When accidents like this occur, victims may be entitled to pursue compensation. Determining liability, however, depends on the facts of the case. Possible defendants may include:
1. The Carriage Driver or Handler
The operator of the horse carriage has a duty to maintain control of the animal and ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians. If the driver acted negligently — for example, by failing to secure the horse properly or ignoring signs of the animal’s distress — they could be held liable.
2. The Carriage Company
Most drivers work for companies that own and operate the carriages. These companies are responsible for training employees, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safe operations. If inadequate training, poor supervision, or unsafe practices contributed to the accident, the company itself may be legally responsible.
3. The City of New York
Horse-drawn carriages are heavily regulated in New York City. If the City failed to enforce safety regulations, issued licenses without proper oversight, or allowed unsafe practices to continue despite known risks, municipal liability may come into play. Lawsuits against the City follow strict procedural rules, including shorter deadlines for filing a Notice of Claim.
4. Equipment Manufacturers
If faulty equipment — such as defective harnesses, reins, or carriage components — played a role in the horse breaking loose, victims could pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the equipment.
5. Third Parties
In some cases, outside factors may contribute to an accident. For example, if a passing vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian startled the horse, that individual could also share liability.
Protecting Your Rights After a Horse Carriage Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a horse carriage accident in New York City, it is critical to act quickly. Liability in these cases can involve multiple parties and complex legal issues, including municipal liability rules that require prompt action.
The attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf have more than 100 years of experience representing injury victims in New York. Our trial lawyers have recovered over $5 billion for clients and are recognized nationwide for their work in high-profile cases.
📞 Call us today at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation with a top-rated NYC personal injury lawyer.