German billionaire sued over serious stable accident injury
German billionaire Ursula Bechtolsheimer, mother of Olympic gold medallist Laura Tomlinson, will appear in court over a severe accident at her stable, reports the "Daily Mail." The 72-year-old owner of Eastington House stables in the Cotswolds is facing a €235,000 lawsuit.
According to the "Daily Mail," the victim, George Day, accuses Bechtolsheimer of destroying his dreams of a riding career after being kicked in the face by a young horse, which caused severe physical injuries and, consequently, mental health issues. The incident occurred in March 2021.
George Day claims he suffered fractures to the facial bones, eye sockets, and nose, as well as a brain injury as a result of the accident. The "The Telegraph" reports that Day lost consciousness and had to undergo surgery at Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
Since the accident, Day has experienced chronic neurological problems, including headaches, dizziness, vision disorders, reduced sensation around the face, tinnitus, and difficulty eating hard foods.
Bechtolsheimer admitted partial responsibility for the accident at the stable
Day attempted to return to work, but his current difficulties prevented him from continuing his professional equestrian career. His lawyer from Irwin Mitchell, is trying to prove his riding abilities before the accident and his potential for a Grand Prix career.
Meanwhile, the defence from Keoghs demands specific evidence to confirm these abilities and full documentation of the damages incurred as a result of the incident, reports the "Daily Mail."
Bechtolsheimer admitted partial responsibility for the accident, but she claims it was not due to negligence but was the result of strict liability imposed by the Animals Act 1971. A Bechtolsheimer spokesperson emphasised: "Mrs Bechtolsheimer and her team extend their sincere sympathies to George for the injuries he suffered, and wish him all the best for his treatment and recovery."
Recently, the equestrian dressage world was shocked by the news that Charlotte Dujardin had been banned from participating in the Olympics in Paris. This occurred following the release of a video in which she repeatedly hit her horse with a whip. In a statement, Dujardin apologised and expressed deep regret over her behaviour.
