I had the pleasure of visiting my in-laws in Lincoln, Nebraska recently to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. During our visit, we stopped by an equestrian center operated by a family friend. The kids and I had a chance to ride Granddad's beautiful mare, Marion. My wife, a former equestrienne, has always been impressed with Marion's disposition and she would trust a small child to ride her.
Before I climbed on, I noticed a sign reciting the Nebraska equestrian statute that essentially said, "if you get on a horse in Nebraska and get hurt, you cannot sue anyone." We all chuckled as I posed for the picture, and I noticed that Marion had a saddle that was much different from the type of saddle I was used to.
I awkwardly shifted my weight backward, just as the photo was being taken, throwing Marion off balance. She struggled to regain her footing and, in a flash, I was in the dirt. Luckily, it was a soft landing and I have a hard, helmeted head. No harm was done, other than to my ego. After a short explanation on how to balance myself in this type of saddle, I got back on Marion and we had a good time riding around the ring. What does this have to do with Cohen Law Offices or you for that matter?
Most everyone has ridden a horse or pony at a birthday party, carnival, summer camp, or on vacation. What would happen if there was an injury? Florida has a similar equestrian statute to Nebraska's, and in general there is no liability for an injury or even the death resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities. There are limited exceptions to this "no liability" rule. For example, if the equine specialist knew a saddle cinch strap was broken but used the faulty saddle anyway, or if the equine specialist failed to determine the ability of the participant to engage in the activity, there may be a claim.
This is just one many examples of laws that limit, prevent, or dictate how and when an injury claim is brought. At Cohen Law Offices, we specialize in bringing injury claims. We have years of the expertise navigating the laws that affect your case. We do this every day. We are stubborn, even hard headed in our efforts to help accident victims and their families. You know if I get thrown, I will get back on the horse, literally.
Judson Cohen, Partner, Cohen Law offices, P.A.
