Colts Neck Horseback Riding Accident Attorneys

New Jersey Equine Injury Lawyers Protecting Your Rights After a Horse Accident in Wall, Neptune, Middletown, Rumson and Statewide

Horses are known as gentle giants and bring many people much joy. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents involving horses can leave someone gravely injured. Even the most trained riders and ranchers can experience an accident. Being kicked or bitten by a horse during a training circuit or out in the field can cause serious damage. Riding on the road can be dangerous if the horse becomes spooked or a rider gets too close to the car. Many equine accidents occur during training sessions or equestrian competitions; some involve defective equipment such as saddles, reins, or bridles. Novice riders who take short tours may not receive adequate supervision, which leads them to fall off or be thrown from a horse during what is supposed to be a leisurely experience. Regardless of the causes, personal injury cases involving animals are difficult to navigate without an experienced attorney.

At Chamlin, Uliano, & Walsh, our experienced attorneys are well-versed in the legal challenges and complexities involved when representing individuals affected by horseback riding accidents across Southern New Jersey, including in Asbury Park, Lavallette, Red Bank, Brick, Barnegat, Seaside Heights, and Neptune. Contact our law firm today at (732) 440-3950 or fill out our online form to discuss your horse riding accident and potential compensation options.

Wide Range of Horse Accident Injuries in New Jersey

Possible injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. Professional riders use helmets to prevent a concussion, but many others do not. A fall off of a horse that is moving slowly can result in a sprained ankle, shoulder, or wrist and bruising. More severe injuries are whiplash, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), broken bones, exposed fractures, neck injuries, and partial or complete paralysis. Bites, crushing injuries, and nerve damage are also possible. Unfortunately, some accidents with horses have had fatal results due to internal organ damage and internal bleeding.

Legal Accountability for Horse-Related Accidents

Determining fault in these kinds of accidents can be tricky.  Animals are sometimes unpredictable; when you take an animal as large as a horse, much damage can be done to people and property. Owners can be held accountable under certain conditions, but the Court hesitates to blame them for a horse’s spontaneous behavior. The plaintiff must substantiate three points in a horse accident case concerning the owner.  First, it must be proven that the horse was likely to cause damage or that the damage it caused was severe.  This step usually isn’t difficult to prove because the results of an accident can be severe due to their size and strength.

Secondly, it must be proven that the damage caused by the horse was due to atypical behavior, which is behavior uncommon for horses or only seen under particular circumstances.  This can be challenging because the courts are unfamiliar with “normal” horse behavior, so expert testimony is necessary.  Lastly, the plaintiff must show that the horse owner or trainer was aware of the characteristic(s) that caused the horse’s dangerous behavior; they had witnessed prior behavior similar to that which caused the accident, and the accident caused the victim’s injury.

Lawsuits for Faulty Equestrian Equipment in NJ

Product liability covers both faulty equipment and faulty installation. Ripped saddle supports, broken buckles, shredded reins, and bridles can cause a horse accident. A fall from a galloping horse due to a faulty saddle can be perilous. If the product is proven defective, its manufacturer can be held responsible. Further, stable owners and trainers can be held accountable if poorly installed or worn equipment causes an accident.

The Role of Waivers in Equine Liability

Horse owners can have riders sign a waiver indicating they are aware of potential dangers such as falls, kicking, bucking, and biting and accept responsibility for any injuries. Also, if an owner can prove a rider was not following warnings about the horse or was acting recklessly, the rider is probably at fault.

What Can be Included as Compensation for Horse Accident Injuries in New Jersey?

Damages for a horseback riding case include payment for physical injuries as well as economic losses the victim has suffered. Medical expenses, lost wages, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, earning capacity, and long-term disability are the components of compensation for an accident of this kind.

Additionally, punitive damages are a possibility in cases of severe recklessness on the part of the defendant. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the individual for causing the injury. To recover these damages, gross and egregious negligence must be proven.

Seek Trusted Legal Counsel from Rumson, NJ Equestrian Accident Lawyers Today

Proving liability when animals are involved is no simple feat. Building a case under these circumstances requires experience and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you are a rider, owner, trainer, or work with horses in another capacity, you need excellent legal representation when there is an accident. Our attorneys at Chamlin, Uliano, & Walsh will take the necessary legal steps to protect your rights in Shrewsbury, Manasquan, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Island Heights, Beach Haven, Toms River, and other communities across the New Jersey Shore. Your injuries and economic losses deserve compensation, and we will use all of the resources we have at our disposal to provide you with the advocacy you deserve.

It is important to start working on your case while the evidence and details are fresh. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your horse riding accident in New Jersey. If you would like to know more about the legal avenues you may have available after equestrian injuries, call (732) 440-3950 or fill out a contact form so that we may set up a consultation.