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Colorado Appellate Court Strikes Down Recreational Liability Release: Ruling Could Impact Stable/Equine Professional Releases

Individuals and businesses in the horse industry rely on waivers/releases as part of their risk management programs. We’ve written for years that most states nationwide have shown a willingness to enforce these documents – if they are properly worded and signed. Colorado is among those states.

The Case

On December 29, 2016, the Colorado Court of Appeals found a national fitness facility’s liability waiver/release form to be unenforceable against a lawsuit brought by a patron. In that case, the injured patron (the plaintiff) who sued was not partaking in any fitness, sporting, or recreational activity when she was injured; rather, she was in the women's locker room and allegedly tripped on a blow dryer cord under a sink, causing injuries. In defense of her lawsuit, the fitness facility argued that she released her claims when she signed its “Member Usage Agreement,” which included release of liability language. Thereafter, the fitness facility sought dismissal of her case, which the trial court granted. The plaintiff appealed to the Colorado Court of Appeals, which reversed the dismissal and reinstated her case.

Here are some of the points the Colorado court made in its 18-page ruling:

  • Based on established precedent, Colorado courts have analyzed certain factors in determining whether a release is valid. These factors include “whether the contract was fairly entered into" and "whether the intention of the parties was expressed in clear and unambiguous language."
  • The court noted that Colorado courts have enforced release agreements in recreational activity settings.
  • The problem for the Court was that it found that the fitness facility’s release did not express the intention of the parties in “clear and unambiguous language.” The Court considered language in the form to be “legal jargon” and “technical legal language.” It concluded that the form created a likelihood of confusion or failure of a person signing it to recognize the extent of the release’s provisions.

The case was: Stone v. Life Time Fitness, Inc., No. 15CA0598 (Colo. App. 12/29/2016). An appeal is possible.

What’s Effective Release Language?

The frequently asked question is: How should release documents be worded?

Unfortunately, there is never a guarantee that liability releases, regardless of how they are worded, will dismiss a lawsuit. State laws can differ, and courts don’t always agree. In the past, this blog has covered several reasons why releases can be complicated, such as states differing on how releases interact with state Equine Activity Liability Acts, states differing on coverage of details, courts disagreeing on whether a signer had sufficient time to read the release before signing, whether releases can bar claims of children, and other reasons. Your lawyer can recommend language for your operations.

Julie Fershtman, who speaks nationally regarding waivers/releases, litigates cases involving these documents, and follows the law closely, offers a few suggestions regarding waivers/releases in every state:

  • Be cautious before using a waiver/release form that someone shares with you online. Chances are possible that the form comes from another state whose laws differ from those where you live or do business.
  • Understand that state-by-state variations can impact release language. These include, for example, Equine Activity Liability Act language requirements.
  • A release that is readable and understandable stands a better chance of being enforced.
  • Don’t conceal that the document is a release or waiver of liability.
  • If your intent is to have visitors and customers release your facility (and others described in the document) from injuries, losses, or damages that can occur when people are mounted AND un-mounted, such as walking on the property, have the document reflect this.
  • Remember that releases do not substitute for liability insurance. Because people who sign releases can, and sometimes do, file lawsuits, make sure you are properly insured.

This blog post does not constitute legal advice. When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.

Categories: Liability

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is considered to be one of the nation's leading attorneys in the field of equine law. She has successfully tried equine cases before juries in four states. A frequent author and speaker on legal issues, she has written over 400 published articles, four books, and has lectured at seminars, conventions, and conferences in 29 states on issues involving law, liability, risk management, and insurance. For more information, please also visit www.fershtmanlaw.com and www.equinelaw.net, and www.equinelaw.info.

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Contact Us - Julie Fershtman

"Julie Fershtman is considered by many to be the nation's leading expert on equine activity liability acts. Her 30-minute presentation for a recent educational webinar on equine activity liability acts for the American Horse Council is available for viewing. Please take a look, here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCROISSPMJs

Fershtman’s Equine Law Book Wins Fourth National Award

Julie Fershtman’s latest book, Equine Law and Horse Sense, won its fourth national award on May 31, 2021. It was selected to receive a "Finalist" Medal in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. 

The 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards are presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group, which is the largest International awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. Here’s a link for the complete list of 2021 winners and finalists: https://www.indiebookawards.com/winners.php?year=2021 

Fershtman’s Equine Law Book Receives Third National Award

Julie Fershtman’s book, Equine Law & Horse Sense, published by the American Bar Association, has been selected to receive a 2020 NYC Big Book Award in the category of “Reference” books.

The NYC Big Book Awards draws nominations world-wide. This is the third award for Fershtman’s book since its publication last year. Here is a link for more information, and to see the list of winners: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2020winners

Information on the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/164105493X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

Equine Blog Ranked in Feedspot

Foster Swift's Equine Law Blog was ranked #8 in Feedspot.com's "15 Best Equine Law Blogs and Websites".

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

In 2022, Julie Fershtman is scheduled to be a speaker on equine liability at these conventions:

Fershtman’s Equine Law Book Receives Second National Award

Julie Fershtman’s book, Equine Law & Horse Sense, published by the American Bar Association, has been selected to receive a 2020 NYC Big Book Award in the category of “Reference” books.

The NYC Big Book Awards draws nominations world-wide. This is the third award for Fershtman’s book since its publication last year. Here is a link for more information, and to see the list of winners: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2020winners

Information on the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/164105493X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

Honors & Recognitions

Equine lawyer, Julie Fershtman, has received these prestigious equine industry awards from respected equine organizations:

"Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award" - American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Law Section Animal Law Committee

"Distinguished Service Award" - American Youth Horse Council

"Industry Service Award" - Michigan Equine Partnership

"Catalyst Award"- Michigan Horse Council

"Outstanding Achievement Award" - American Riding Instructors Association 

"Partner in Safety Award" - American Riding Instructors Association 

"Associate Service Award" - United Professional Horseman's Association

"National Partnership in Safety" Award" - Certified Horsemanship Association 

Some of our Equine Law Services

Handling breach of contract, fraud/ misrepresentation, commercial code, and other claims involving equine-related transactions including purchases/sales, leases, mare leases/foal transfers, and partnerships.

Litigating a wide variety of equine-related disputes in court or through alternative dispute resolution (arbitration, mediation, facilitation).

Defending equine/farm/equestrian industry professionals,  businesses, and associations in personal injury claims and lawsuits.

Drafting and negotiating contracts for boarding, training, sales, waivers/releases, leases, and numerous other equine-related transactions.

Representing and advising insurers on  coverage and policy language as well as litigation;

Advising equine industry clubs and associations regarding management, rules, bylaws, disputes, and regulations.

Representing some of the equine industry's top trainers, competitors, stables, and associations.

Counseling industry professionals, stable managers, and individual horse owners. 

THE NATION'S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER EQUINE LAW SPEAKER

Did you know Julie Fershtman has spoken at the American Horse Council Annual Meeting, Equine Affaire, US Hunter/Jumper Association Annual Meeting, Midwest Horse Fair, Equitana USA, US Dressage Federation Annual Meeting, North American Riding for the Handicapped (now PATH International) Annual Meeting, American Paint Horse Association Annual Meeting, US Pony Clubs, Inc.'s Annual Meeting, All-American Quarter Horse Congress, American Youth Horse Council Annual Meeting, American Riding Instructors Association Annual Meeting, CHA Annual Meeting, and numerous others? Consider signing her up for your convention. Contact Julie directly.

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