Cyprus Court of Appeal upholds €100,000 award for veterinary assistant blinded by foal kick

On April 28, 2006, a veterinary assistant employed by the Cyprus Racing Authority was blinded in his right eye during a microchipping procedure at a farm in Agios Trimithias. The incident occurred while the assistant, a veterinarian, and a farm owner were working with a group of young foals. After successfully chipping three animals, the fourth foal jerked its head free from the owner's grip and kicked the assistant in the face. Evidence noted that the foal's mother was roaming nearby and whinnying, which contributed to the animal's agitation. The Nicosia District Court initially found the Cyprus Racing Authority solely liable for failing to provide adequate protection and ordered €100,000 in damages. This compensation covered both the loss of sight and the resulting reduction in future earning capacity. The Authority appealed both the liability finding and the award amount, but the Court of Appeal rejected the challenges. The three-judge panel confirmed that the employer was responsible for the safety conditions during the procedure.