November 14, 2023
Categories: Personal Injury, Uncategorized
Race track accidents in Florida and Florida race track safety have been thrust into the spotlight following the tragic death of Danny Quintero. Nineteen-year-old Daniel Quintero died in a training accident in January 2023. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene after reports of a man down, and Mr. Quintero was pronounced dead by paramedics.
Tampa Bay Downs expressed their condolences for young Mr. Quintero on their Facebook page and, along with other nearby tracks, held a moment of silence in his honor. Many demanded answers as loved ones took to social media to post remembrances for the fallen jockey.
How did a routine training session turn deadly? Why did the racetrack keep holding races? And, most importantly, what caused the tragic incident?
There are many laws in place to maintain safety in Florida’s racetracks. Despite the protocols in place to ensure everyone’s safety, horse racing can still be a dangerous sport, with accidents and injuries happening all too frequently. Racetracks should conduct regular inspections and training for workers on safety procedures and set rigorous safety standards and protocols.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 recognizes that racetracks have varying environments and proposes a practical approach to racetrack safety rules that consider regional differences and the character of differing racing facilities.
The act also states that trainers and assistant trainers in the horse-racing industry are required to complete at least four hours of continuing education every year. This is a mandatory requirement for all trainers and assistant trainers in order to maintain their professional licenses. Continuing education can include courses, seminars, workshops, or other educational activities related to equine health, safety, or welfare.
In addition to completing the required hours of continuing education, trainers and assistant trainers must also maintain documentation of their completed education and submit it to HISA upon request. This documentation can include certificates of completion, attendance records, or other proof of participation in approved educational activities.
By maintaining proper documentation and submitting it to HISA when requested, trainers and assistant trainers can ensure that they remain in compliance with HISA regulations and maintain their professional licenses in good standing.
Despite the safety protocols and regulations, none of these protocols saved Danny Quintero. Fortunately, there are options for families like Mr. Quintero’s. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore has an experienced team of personal injury lawyers in Tampa specializing in personal injury claims since 1967.
Today, the firm is among the most respected plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in the state of Florida, with partners who have shown extraordinary leadership in both the courtroom and the broader legal profession. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore has produced many legal landmarks over the years, expansive in both number and breadth, and has been extremely successful on any measure.
While the most visible representatives of our law firm are our experienced attorneys, they are by no means alone in their fight to protect our client’s interests. Ours is a cohesive team effort, requiring the talents of specialized support personnel.
Because of this combined expertise and team approach, we can handle a broad range of personal injury claims in Florida. Our attorneys’ commitment to our clients and to the legal system goes far beyond the courtroom. Our attorneys are involved in, and often lead, the most significant bar-related associations in Tampa and the state of Florida, and the law firm invests many financial resources to ensure the continued health, safety, and vitality of our Tampa Bay community.
Our team is here to serve you. If you or a loved one has been injured on a Florida race track, our Tampa personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the legal process and work hard to see that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.
