A settlement has been reached in the case of a 17-year-old boy who suffered catastrophic injuries after being trampled by a startled Dallas Police Department horse at the 2024 State Fair of Texas. The incident occurred when a mounted officer lost control of the horse while holding a beverage, leading to the boy being knocked down, losing consciousness, and experiencing seizures. The boy’s mother filed a petition alleging negligence by the City of Dallas, the State Fair of Texas, Fair Park First, and Oak View Group. The terms of the settlement remain confidential.

The boy’s family, represented by Shamieh Law, emphasized that the case was about accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future. The incident also caused emotional trauma to the boy’s mother. At the time, police reported the officer was patrolling when the horse was startled, causing the officer to be bucked off and the patron injured. The victim was hospitalized, and the mounted police officer was evaluated for injuries. The law firm questioned the necessity of mounted police at the fair.