Equine Law 101
Although people take steps to limit their liability and take the proper safety precautions, there are unavoidable risks while working with horses. Laws concerning equine activities protect those providing these activities from liability resulting from horse-related injuries. Learn what Equine Law is all about and why Clayborne & Wagner feels this service is essential.
What Is Equine Law?
Horses are a unique variable when it comes to law. Horses could be considered as livestock property, a vehicle, an athlete, and many other roles. Therefore, equine-related litigation requires someone with thorough knowledge of the subject. Equine Law relates to all aspects of horses, horse-related activities and industries, businesses, organizations, and facilities. Equine Law can range from preparing equine-related contracts and animal rights matters to gaming laws and equine injury.
Equine Activity Liability Acts
Illinois, among other states, protects equine activity providers through the Illinois Equine Activity Liability Act. The Act recognizes that people participating in equine activities may incur injuries as a result of the natural associated risks of engaging in and around horses and delineates the responsibilities and assumed hazards the participants of equine activities undertake. The Act seeks to reduce the risk of lawsuits and litigation stemming from the inherently risky nature of participation in equine activities.
Injuries and loss incurred from participation in equine activity must satisfy the requirements of the Act and not be subject to any of the Act’s exceptions in order for the liability protections to apply. One exception under the Act that will not protect providers of equine activities is gross negligence. To avoid falling into an exemption to liability protection, an equine activities provider needs to be up to date on the law. Did you know that under the Illinois Equine Activity Liability Act, a specifically worded “WARNING” sign must be posted where equine activities are taken place? Clayborne & Wagner is here to help you navigate this tricky terrain and guide you to stay compliant under the Act and gain its liability protections.
Clayborne & Wagner – Equine Law Services
At Clayborne & Wagner, we possess vast knowledge of all things equestrian. We are qualified in both equine litigation and transaction services.
Our litigation services include:
- Personal Injury
- Property Damage
- Breach of Contract
- Insurance
- Misrepresentation
- Equine Activity Liability Act
Our transaction services are comprised of:
- Contracts
- Property Damage
- General Liability
If you are looking for someone that understands your circumstance through and through, our avid equestrian/attorney team has the understanding to handle your case. Get in contact with us today to understand how we can help you.