If you sustain an injury whilst playing sport and this was someone else’s fault, you might be entitled to claim compensation. You may also have a claim if you attend a sporting event and the area reserved for public viewing is unsafe which results in you sustaining an injury.
We can assist with a wide range of sports injury claims and we would be pleased to advise you on your prospects of making a successful claim.
Accidents while playing sport
Many contact sports such as football, rugby and hockey allow your opponents to tackle you as part of the rules of the game. Consequently there is a certain degree of risk involved in playing such sports. Should you suffer from an injury as a result of a legal tackle or because you slip or trip for no particular reason during the game, this will be regarded as an accident where nobody is to blame.
If, however, you sustain an injury because of an illegal tackle that shows ‘a reckless disregard for your safety’, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Illegal tackles can be dangerous and can sometimes result in serious injury.
You may also be entitled to make a claim if the reason for your accident was a poorly maintained playing surface or defective equipment being used. Every person taking part in the game owes the other participants a duty to take reasonable care to avoid causing such harm, and this extends to those providing facilities for the game.
For non-contact sports such as skiing where injury may be sustained because of other participants, you may have a claim if those providing the facilities failed to protect you from other less-skilled users.
Compensation claims can be made whether you are a professional or amateur, and regardless of where your injury takes place – be it on a sports field at school or on private, public or council owned property.
What to do if you suffer from a sports injury
If you suffer from a sports injury and you believe someone else to be at fault, there are a number of actions you can take to maximise your chances of making a successful personal injury compensation claim:
- Ensure that the incident is reported to whoever is supervising the game at the time, and if applicable, noted in the accident book
- Note down the names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident, which may include the match official, other players and spectators
- Take photographs of the area where the accident took place
- Keep receipts for any costs you incurred as a result of the injury, such as for medical treatment, physiotherapy, prescriptions and travel expenses
- Seek legal advice as early as possible from a reputable law firm
Our team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers can advise you on your individual circumstances and answer any questions you may have. We can also provide advice should you receive advice or treatment following a sports injury that proves to be negligent.
Make A Free Enquiry
To make a free enquiry please either call us on Southport 01704 532890, Liverpool 0151 928 6544 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch.