OUR EXPERIENCE WITH EQUESTRIAN DAMAGES

Our attorneys have extensive experience in litigation against utilities, including for equestrian-related fire damages.  Schack Law Group, one of our attorney partners, represented hundreds of clients in the 2007 San Diego Wildfire Litigation, the largest fire case in California history.  As part of their work on that case, the Schack Law Group represented numerous barns and ranches from dressage to hunter/jumper to  small pleasure facilities, who suffered unique damages in the 2007 Wildfires.  As a result of the fires, these individuals suffered significant equestrian-specific damages, including but not limited to destroyed or damaged barns, corrals, and tack rooms, damaged or lost equipment such as saddles and tack, damaged supplies like hay and feed, additional evacuation costs for the horses, and additional labor costs to care for the horses during the evacuation. In addition, the evacuation of their horses resulted in significant costs including travel and trailering, added boarding fees, and additional bedding and feed costs, among other things.  Many of these losses were not fully covered by insurance. However, Schack Law Group worked with experts to address the particular damages that fires, smoke and soot, cause to equestrian facilities, equestrian equipment, and horses.

In addition, we understand the stress evacuation—even if temporary—has on horses. We also understand the potential economic losses that can result when a barn is unable to board horses during and after a fire. Given our work in the San Diego Wildfire Litigation, we have the experience necessary to help you pursue potential claims for equestrian losses, including evacuation costs and lost income/business.

POTENTIALLY RECOVERABLE EQUESTRIAN DAMAGES: 

  • Damage to barns, corrals, pastures, tack rooms and arenas

  • Destroyed or damaged equestrian supplies such as hay, shavings, and feed

  • Destroyed or damaged equestrian equipment such as saddles, tack, grooming supplies, and mirrors

  • Evacuation costs including but not limited to travel, mileage to evacuation site, boarding fees, bedding costs, and feed costs

  • Lost income, revenue, and wages, including from the inability to train and board horses

  • Damaged or destroyed landscaping such as trees, plants, and other vegetation

  • Damage to irrigation, fencing, electrical, plumbing, and wells associated with equestrian facilities