--- title: Liability Waiver Voided in Horseback Riding Injury - Is It Time To Spot Check Your Waiver Language? - Wherewolf description: Despite her mother signing a liability waiver, the court allowed Ava to pursue her case further due to significant oversights in the waiver's language and the camp's handling of her skill level and injury. 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[Natalie](https://resources.getwherewolf.com/blog/author/natalie) 08/16/2024 [Digital Waiver](https://resources.getwherewolf.com/blog/tag/digital-waiver) [0 Comments](https://resources.getwherewolf.com/blog/liability-waiver-voided-in-horseback-riding-injury-is-it-time-to-spot-check-your-waiver-language#postComment) 2 Minutes ## Ava found herself in a life-altering situation during a summer camp at Foxfield. Despite her mother signing a liability waiver, the court allowed Ava to pursue her case further due to significant oversights in the waiver’s language and the camp’s handling of her skill level and injury. Check out this case overview and make sure you’re not making the same mistakes! ### The Incident Ava, 12 years old, felt in control when riding Polly, a horse she was familiar with in the comfort of the dressage ring. However, on the third day, she was assigned a different horse named Sonny. During a jump in the cross-country field, Sonny bucked, causing Ava to fall and severely injure her spine. Disturbingly, the instructor, Puishys, continued the lesson, leaving Ava to walk back to the cabins alone despite her injuries. Her condition required emergency surgery, highlighting the gravity of the incident. ### Legal Proceedings The court examined several factors that led to the waiver being voided. Firstly, **the waiver lacked clear language** to inform participants they were relinquishing their right to sue for negligence or other risks. The absence of terms like “negligence” or “misconduct” rendered the waiver legally ineffective. Additionally, the court noted a **failure to match Ava’s documented riding experience with her actual skill level.** The camp’s oversight, paired with the instructor’s dismissal of Ava’s concerns about handling Sonny, further weakened the waiver’s validity. ### The Outcome Ultimately, **the court nullified the liability waiver** due to its ambiguous language and the defendants’ inadequate response to Ava’s situation. This decision allowed Ava and her family to pursue claims of negligence against Foxfield, and the $97,000 costs previously awarded to the defendants were overturned. ### Key Lessons For Operators This case underscores the importance of: - **Crafting Clear Waivers:** Liability waivers must explicitly state the terms, especially regarding negligence, to be enforceable. Always obtain legal advice when writing a waiver, and shape them to fit the activity. For example, if you offer four different types of activities, a waiver that specifies each activity’s set of risks is far more effective than a vaguely worded waiver. - **Instructor Vigilance:** Instructors must listen and respond appropriately to participants’ concerns, especially in inherently risky activities like horseback riding. Your staff should be trained in risk assessments and able to identify guests who may be overshooting their skill level. Additionally, the lack of compassion displayed in this case seems to be a contributing factor. Demonstrations of care could easily have affected the outcome of the legal case. - **Accurate Skill Assessment:** Proper evaluation of participant skill levels is crucial in preventing injuries and avoiding legal issues. A robust waiver can help you track the skill level of your guests, and provide an effective paper trail if needed.  Imagine facing a similar situation—how prepared is your organization to manage risk and liability in recreational activities? Ensuring clear communication, thorough evaluation, and responsive care can make all the difference. 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