Some occupations are just a little more risky than others. Professional jockeys, for example, accept that their jobs are potentially dangerous. Like other employees, many jockeys are able to take advantage of their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This allows an injured jockey to make a claim against the insurance policy. Workers’ compensation can help pay for medical treatment and lost earnings if the jockey is injured so much that he or she cannot get back on a horse competitively for some time while recovering. The Jockeys' Guild The Jockey’s Guild was established back in 1940 by well known jockeys of that era. It was formed to help support professional jockeys in the U.S. Much of the justification for the formation of the Guild was the poor conditions with which professional jockeys had to cope with at the time. The Guild has experienced financial woes in recent times, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2011 to protect itself from its creditors. Typical Injuries Suffered by Professional Jockeys Professional jockeys are experienced with dealing with horses and the sort of hazards that accompany horse racing, but the competitive pressure means that injuries are always a possibility. Apart from being injured by a nervous or angry horse, the most common injuries are due to being thrown from a horse while riding it. The worst case scenario is for the horse to trip and fall with the jockey caught under the animal as the horse and its rider strike the ground. These accidents can lead to very serious injuries, even fatalities. Apart from superficial cuts, scrapes and bruises, the most common injuries are broken bones, especially arms and legs, as the rider is thrown off the horse. The worst injuries affect the neck, spine and head with potential paralysis if the spine or neck is badly damaged. What to Do If You Have Been Hurt as a Jockey If you, as a professional jockey, have been injured while in the stables, out training or on the racecourse, you should know whether your employer has workers’ compensation insurance to cover any injuries. Provision may depend on the state where you are based or where your employer is based. If your employer does carry this type of insurance you should be able to file a claim and recover the cost of medical treatment and a portion, usually around two thirds, of your basic earnings as a jockey. Once medical treatment has been attended to, make sure your employer is made aware of the nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries as well as filing an official accident report. There are time limits for doing this which you should be aware of. You may find that it will be useful discussing your accident with a workers’ compensation attorney before submitting a claim. Why Contact an Attorney An attorney is not strictly needed to submit a workers’ compensation claim, but claims are not always straightforward and it is common practice for insurers to object to the details of a claim. In some cases, the insurer may even claim that the injured employer was not actually injured while a work. This is the sort of situation where a workers’ compensation attorney’s legal experience can prove to be really valuable. Disclaimer The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
