The case over the death of a white-water rafter is headed to the supreme court and it could affect the future of the state's rafting industry.

Lawyers for River Riders Incorporated want to stop the Jefferson County Circuit Court from going ahead with a case involving a fatal rafting accident in 2004.

A judge has consolidated a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the victim's widow, and a personal injury suit filed by other rafters. The judge is allowing the case to be argued under maritime law, which means the rafting company can not use its waivers signed by rafters as a defense.

Rafting company owners are concerned that if the waivers don't suffice, they won't be able to afford insurance and it could force them to shut down. That could spell financial hardship for small towns like Fayetteville.

The trial is set for July 27th.