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Horseback Riding Accident Lawyers

Horseback riding accidents are one of the most common accidents resulting from recreational activities in the United States. Horseback riding has led to more hospitalizations than ice skating and snowboarding. This is a serious concern for the country, especially because many people ride horses recreationally and for work in competitions and contests.

Horseback riding could result in very severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries. But, many people may assume that because a horse caused injuries, the victim of the accident may not be able to file a lawsuit against any party. This is not the case. An in-depth look into the circumstances of your horseback riding accident by our top-rated horseback riding accident attorneys could find negligent parties involved that may have contributed to your horseback riding accident.

Can I Sue if I Was Injured in a Horseback Riding Accident?

In California, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the negligent party who caused your horseback riding accident injuries. But, the hard part is finding the negligent party and holding them accountable. That is where our attorneys step in.

Horseback Riding Statistics

  • Around 7 million Americans go horseback riding each year
  • The United States horse industry is worth around 40 billion dollars a year
  • Around 800,000 horses compete in track racing each year
  • The average household income of a horse owner is $60,000
  • The United States horse industry employs around 1.5 million people
  • The horse racing industry has one of the biggest economic impacts to the United States economy

What are the Most Common Injuries from Horseback Riding?

Horseback riding can lead to a variety of injuries, from minor injuries like a minor cut to major injuries like traumatic brain injuries that could affect a person’s motor functions.

The amount of compensation you could receive is largely dependent on the injuries you have suffered, and the severity of these injuries.

How Do I Prove a Horseback Riding Accident Lawsuit?

Horseback riding accidents involve holding the negligent party accountable for their negligence. Negligence is a legal theory used to hold someone responsible for their actions. In order to prove negligence, you must show:

  • The defendant (responsible party) had a duty to the plaintiff to act in a reasonably safe manner
  • The defendant failed to act in a reasonably safe manner, and breached that duty
  • Because the defendant failed to act in a reasonably safe manner, the plaintiff sustained injuries
  • The plaintiff now has damages as a result of the injuries

An experienced horseback riding accident attorney will better assist you when proving each factor and making sure that you have enough evidence to prove each factor.

Examples Of Horseback Riding Lawsuits Include:

  • When a horse trainer negligently trains their horse
  • When a horse trainer does not provide adequate protection
  • When a horse trainer does not provide adequate equipment to properly ride the horse
  • When the horse trainer fails to train the horseback rider
  • When the trainer assumes the horseback rider is experienced
  • When the landowner fails to properly monitor the land for any potential dangers
  • When a horse trainer allows their horse to continue giving rides to horseback Riders after the horse has engaged in dangerous Behavior
  • When a product manufacturer creates a defective horseback riding equipment

Product Liability Claims in Horseback Riding

If you have been injured as a result of defective horseback riding equipment, you have the ability to hold the product manufacturer, along with the product retailer liable for any injuries suffered as a result of the defect. A defect means that the product was not suitable for sale and for use. The defect could be a design defect, manufacturing defect, or a warning defect.

This falls under a legal claim title products liability. Product liability is a strict liability claim, which means that all the plaintiff has to prove is that the product was defective.

What Kind of Compensation Could I Receive for a Horse Accident Lawsuit?

The different types of damages you could receive depend on the circumstances of the accident. Examples of compensation you could receive include

  • Past lost wages
  • Future lost wages
  • Medical bills
  • Hospital stays
  • Medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Property damage

What Should I do if I Have Been Involved in a Horseback Riding Accident in California or Nevada?

If you have been involved in a horseback riding accident, there are specific steps you must take.

  • Seek medical care immediately. Many injuries as a result of horseback riding accidents do not reveal themselves until several weeks later. Examples of severe injuries include traumatic brain injuries. It is also important to seek a medical care provider if you are going to file a lawsuit against the at fault party. This allows you to document as many medical records as possible to assist you in your horseback riding accident claim.
  • Document your injuries as much as possible: the different types of documents that could help your claim are photos of the injury, along with any medical records.
  • Gather as much evidence as possible regarding the accident, such as the landowner, the horse owner, and the horse trainer’s information. Other factors that our equestrian accident attorneys look into is the horse’s history of acting dangerously in the past.
  • Contact an experienced and top-rated equestrian accident attorney immediately to seek compensation for any of the injuries suffered.

Wrongful Death Horseback Riding Accident Lawyer

If the horseback rider’s injuries led to death, then the victim’s family members could file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the decedent. You could file a wrongful death claim in both California and Nevada.

Wrongful-death laws allow the family member to stand in the shoes of the decedent and seek compensation for the injuries suffered. Examples of injuries the decedent could claim are lost wages, and medical bills. Other than what the decedent could receive, wrongful-death also allows family members to receive funeral expenses. It is very important that you hire an experienced wrongful death attorney to pursue any death claims that have resulted from the horseback riding injury.

Negligence Theory in Recreational Activity Injuries

Understanding and applying negligence theory is crucial when dealing with personal injuries from recreational activities such as horseback riding. This legal theory requires proving that the party had a duty of care towards the injured, breached that duty, and caused the accident and resulting injuries due to this breach.
For instance, horse riding schools must ensure their horses are suitable for riders of various skill levels and that all equipment meets safety standards. A failure in any of these areas can be considered a breach of duty. Successful litigation hinges on illustrating how these breaches directly caused the injuries sustained, often necessitating expert testimonies and detailed accident reconstruction.

Product Liability and Recreational Equipment Safety

In recreational activities where equipment is extensively used, like horseback riding, product liability plays a significant role in ensuring consumer safety. Manufacturers and distributors of horse riding equipment are obligated to ensure that their products are free from defects. A product defect might include faults in the design, manufacturing process, or inadequate instructions and warnings.
When a defect in horse riding equipment leads to an accident, the injured party can pursue a product liability claim. Legal proceedings and settlements in such cases often push manufacturers towards higher safety standards, contributing to safer recreational environments for all participants. The legal framework around product liability thus serves both compensatory and preventive functions in the context of recreational safety.

Common Asked Horseback Riding Questions

What types of injuries are most commonly associated with horseback riding accidents?

Horseback riding accidents can result in a range of injuries, with the most severe being traumatic brain injuries, which account for approximately 50% of horse-related injury cases. Other common injuries include broken bones (especially in the shoulders and wrists), spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and concussions. Even more severe cases can lead to paralysis or blindness.

How can negligence be proven in a horseback riding accident lawsuit?

To prove negligence in a horseback riding accident, you must establish that the defendant had a duty to act safely, breached that duty by failing to act safely, and as a direct result of this breach, the plaintiff suffered injuries. Documenting the conditions, gathering witness statements, and collecting expert testimony are critical steps in proving these elements in court with the help of an experienced attorney.

What are potential sources of compensation in horseback riding accident claims?

Compensation in horseback riding accident claims may include past and future lost wages, medical expenses including hospital stays, medication, and physical therapy costs, as well as property damage. In severe cases, compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages may also be awarded.

What immediate steps should one take after being involved in a horseback riding accident?

After a horseback riding accident, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention, even if no serious injuries are immediately apparent, as some injuries may manifest later. Documenting injuries with photographs, collecting medical records, and gathering details of the accident scene are also important. Finally, contacting a skilled equestrian accident attorney early can help secure necessary evidence and expert testimonies.

What is product liability and how does it apply to horseback riding accidents?

Product liability refers to a legal claim against manufacturers and retailers of defective products. In the context of horseback riding, if an injury results from defective equipment such as saddles, helmets, or riding gear, the injured party may file a product liability claim. This type of claim does not require proving negligence but merely that the product was defective and caused injury.

Under what circumstances can a wrongful death claim be filed following a horseback riding accident?

A wrongful death claim can be filed if a horseback riding accident results in death. The family members of the deceased can seek compensation for medical expenses incurred prior to death, lost future earnings, funeral and burial costs, and loss of companionship. Hiring an experienced wrongful death lawyer is crucial to handle the complexities of such cases.

What can an experienced horseback riding accident attorney do for a victim?

An experienced horseback riding accident attorney helps by investigating the accident, identifying responsible parties, proving negligence, and negotiating settlements. They can manage all legal paperwork, represent the victim in court, and work on a contingency basis, thus reducing the upfront financial burden on the client.

How important is it to document every aspect of the incident and injuries in horseback riding accidents?

Documenting every aspect of the incident and associated injuries is crucial for building a strong legal case. This documentation includes capturing photographs of the scene, the injuries, and any faulty equipment, as well as gathering eyewitness accounts and expert analysis. Such comprehensive documentation helps in substantiating claims for damages.

In what ways can a horse trainer be held liable in horseback riding accidents?

A horse trainer can be held liable if their negligence contributed to an accident. This includes inadequate training of the horse, failing to provide proper safety equipment, and not ensuring that the rider has the necessary skill level. If a trainer allows a dangerous horse to be ridden or fails to maintain a safe riding environment, they can also be held responsible.

What are the benefits of pursuing a horseback riding accident case through a law firm like Heidari Law Group?

Pursuing a horseback riding accident case through a law firm like Heidari Law Group provides access to specialized legal expertise, resources for thorough investigation, and experience in negotiating with insurance companies and defendants. Their contingency fee arrangement ensures that clients pay for legal services only when compensation is secured.

Contact Our Equestrian Accident Attorneys Today

Contact our experienced horseback riding attorneys for a free no risk consultation. During this consultation, we will review the merits of your claim, and determine whether you have a valid claim against the negligent party. 

Our accident attorneys will take on all the risks that are associated with your horseback riding accident injuries. We work through a contingency fee agreement and only collect compensation when we win a settlement or a judgment in your favor.

This is relieving to all our clients since we understand that after going through an accident you may not be financially ready to hire an attorney and pay for them up front.

We have offices located in every major city in California and Nevada, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, Irvine, etc.