Heil Valley Ranch, Inc. v. Simkin

This case presents the issue of whether a release of liability signed by the plaintiff, Roane Simkin, was effective to absolve the defendant, Heil Valley Ranch, Incorporated (Heil Valley), from liability for any negligence or breach of warranty in connection with the rental of a horse to the plaintiff for a recreational ride. The majority opinion holds that the release was clear and unambiguous, and that it was effective to release Heil Valley from liability for the injury suffered by Simkin when the horse she had rented reared and fell backward on her. The majority opinion therefore reverses…