Many people take up a sport as a way to get fit, but accidents in sport can leave people in serious, lasting pain or unable to do many of the things which they enjoy. If you have been injured whilst doing sports and the accident was deemed to have been someone else’s fault, then you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries.
What sporting injuries are eligible for compensation?
Many of the injuries which are sustained whilst doing sports will not be eligible, because they are simply part of the nature of the sport. Sports are often very physical, and sometimes accidents happen which are not really anyone’s fault at all, and therefore you would not be able to make a personal injuries claim relating to these events. In most cases, injuries sustained in contact sports are not covered, but if you can prove that your injury was sustained because of an illegal or dangerous tackle, then you may be able to make a case.
If your sports injuries occurred because the equipment which you were using was faulty, then you may have a case. For example, if the playing surface which you were playing on had been badly maintained by its owner, and you fell because of this surface, then you may be eligible to make a claim. It is also possible to make a claim for injuries which are caused by faulty rackets, bats, saddles or any other equipment.
In some claims, injuries have occurred because that person was being instructed by someone who was not fully qualified to teach that particular sport. Unqualified tutors can teach their pupils unsafe techniques or request that they perform actions which are beyond their technical ability. These commands can lead to serious injuries.
It may also be possible to make a personal injuries claim for injuries which were sustained whilst you were watching others compete in sport. These injuries often occur when inadequate provisions have been put in place to ensure the safety of those who are watching.
Occasionally, spectators may be injured in violent altercations whilst they are watching matches, as two rival sets of fans clash. In busy stadiums, innocent people can easily be caught up in the violence. If you have been injured in sports-related violence which you did not choose to become involved in, then you may be able to claim compensation from the property owner for failing to provide adequate security. The perpetrator of the violence may also be liable.
What is the procedure for sporting injury claims?
The first thing that you should do if you receive a sporting injury is to get medical treatment as soon as possible. This can help to lessen the impact of the incident, and it can help to speed up your recovery. The medical notes which are taken relating to your diagnosis and treatment may also help you with your claim for compensation.
If you decide to proceed with a claim, you will need to hire a claims solicitor or advisor who has prior knowledge of how sporting injury claims work. This solicitor or advisor will be able to guide you through the procedure, and help you to understand all of your legal rights and responsibilities. You will need to start by explaining the incident to your solicitor, giving details of the injuries which you received and explaining how these injuries have affected your quality of life since the accident occurred. If you have been unable to go to work or continue working in your original capacity since the accident happened, then you should advise your solicitor about this, because loss of earnings can be covered as part of your claim.
As part of the body of evidence relating to your claim, you may need to allow your solicitor to see your medical records, financial statements and a list of any of the expenses which you have incurred due to your accident. These documents will help your solicitor to gain a realistic idea about how much compensation you deserve. They can take this information with them when they begin negotiations on your behalf. Many opposing parties choose to settle out of court, rather than facing a court case, but if your case does go to court, your solicitor will talk your through the process and offer you the support which you need.
