Horseback riding is a popular leisure and sporting activity in Florida. Just as with any other sport, there are risks and dangers associated with riding a horse. Each year, a number of people are injured riding horses. While many of these injuries are considered to be an inherent risk of riding, in some instances injuries may be the consequence of the equestrian facility’s or the trainer’s negligence. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our skilled Miami injury attorneys can assess the merits of your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your claim.
Horseback riding injuries can range from mild to severe. Some common injuries include broken ribs, broken back, concussion, broken bones, paralysis, sprained joints, lacerations or contusions, loss of visibility, and more. In the most serious and tragic cases, riders can even lose their lives in horse riding accidents.
In Florida, the Equine Activity Liability Act intends to define the parameters of liability associated with equestrian activities. Under the law, equine professionals and horse-related activity sponsors are required to post caution signs on properties where equestrian activity is taking place. In addition, specific cautionary language must be present in all of the contracts used when the public interacts with horses.
If negligence caused or contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable care in one’s actions or omissions. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent person would act in the same or similar circumstances. Thus, what is considered “reasonable” will differ in various situations.
We can assess whether proper signage was present at the facility as required under the law, as well as read any contract or waiver you signed prior to taking part in the activity. Even if the defendant provided all of the correct signage, as well as the contract and waiver information, you may still have a personal injury claim. For example, you may have a claim in the following situations: if the horse provided to you was known to be boisterous or display dangerous behaviors, the riding trails were not maintained properly, or a professional did not act in a reasonably safe manner.
Horse riding accident victims can recover many types of compensation, due to the nature and severity of their harm. This compensation may include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, future medical bills, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, and more.
If you or someone close to you has been injured while horseback riding, you may have a claim against the equestrian facility, the horse owner, or the trainer. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our diligent Miami injury attorneys have represented many South Florida residents in these types of cases, and we can help you as well. We will work hard to pursue the compensation you deserve for your harm. You can rest assured that we will keep you informed about the status of your case at every step of the way. To learn more, feel free to call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.
More Blog Posts:
Inadequate Maintenance Claims in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, April 6, 2016
Florida Law Enforcement’s Duty of Care in Escaped Horse Case, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, April 6, 2016
Nerve Damage Injuries in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, April 6, 2016