Many people have hobbies – some hobbies are inherently safe, like reading books or solving puzzles, while other hobbies are much more risky, like horseback riding or skydiving. While the risk of injury is relatively low for reading a book (although papercuts from turning pages can be nasty and painful), the risk of injury associated with thrill-seeking type activities is considerably higher. Some hobbies even potentially involve a risk of serious injury or death.
There are a number of exciting, high-risk recreational activities out there that people love to engage in despite the risk. Many people like to do these kinds of activities while on vacation, or as a birthday present for themselves, and some do these activities to mark some special life event. Whatever the reason for engaging in these types of dangerous activities might be, it cannot be ignored that these types of activities come with certain risks. Some of the most dangerous, yet most exalted, high risk recreational activities include:
- Ziplining;
- Skydiving;
- Parasailing;
- Parachuting;
- Horseback riding;
- Riding roller coasters;
- Boating;
- Jet skiing;
- Water skiing; and
- Scuba diving.
Laws Concerning High Risk Activities
Laws concerning liability for injuries resulting from inherently dangerous activities are scattered, if they exist at all. Some are designed to promote safety, while other laws are directed to limiting liability, such as those that immunize equine professionals and equine activity sponsors from liability for any injuries or death that a occurs to a rider, because of the inherent risk of injury associated with equine activities. There are limited exceptions to this equine activities immunity, such as if the injury was intentionally caused, or if some action or omission was done willfully to harm the rider.
Signing A Pre-Injury Waiver Does Not Always Mean You Can’t Sue If You Are Injured
There are many proprietors who offer thrill seekers a number of feats and adventures to get adrenaline levels up. One way that these proprietors avoid liability for any accidents or injuries that result from participants engaging in the risky activity is to have participants sign a waiver, or release from liability, prior to undertaking the risky activity.
While it might seem like you are signing away your right to sue for injuries, should they arise, in exchange for a chance to participate in the exciting, risky activity, many releases contain ambiguous language or the exculpatory clauses (the clauses of the waiver that relieve the proprietor from liability) may not be enforceable in all circumstances. You should consult with a personal injury lawyer to determine whether the pre-injury waiver you signed is valid and enforceable based on the particular circumstances surrounding your injuries.
Reach Out to a Nashville Attorney
If you have suffered an injury while participating in a risky recreational activity in Nashville, you may be eligible to obtain compensation for your injuries in certain circumstances. Skilled Nashville personal injury attorneys can help you by going over the specifics of how your accident happened and determining whether you have an actionable personal injury case.