Jockey Gary Birzer, who was paralyzed after falling during a race two years ago, has agreed to settle his lawsuit against the Jockeys' Guild and two former officials who allowed his health insurance to lapse.
Although he had sued for $ 10 million, the financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed, and it is protected by a confidentiality agreement.
The settlement includes five years of health insurance coverage for Birzer and his family, as well as a public role with the guild, advocating for other disabled jockeys.
Birzer had a riding accident during a race in July 2004 that resulted in him breaking his neck and being paralyzed from the chest down.
He thought the Guild would pay for his medical care and ongoing therapy, but learned too late that a $1 million insurance policy he'd bought for $10 per race had been allowed to lapse.
He and his family were forced to get by on Medicaid and charity.
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