Sports Injury Compensation

When participating in a sport there is always you always risk some level of injury and this must be accepted if such an unfortunate incident occurs. Many sports injuries are the own person’s fault, either through a failure to train or warm up properly or simply through partaking in such a high risk game. However, you have a right to participate in an organised sporting activity without fear of receiving a serious injury caused by the negligence of somebody else.

Types of Sporting Injuries

There are a number of ways that a sports injury can be sustained:

• Faulty equipment is a common cause of sporting injury. If you have been provided with inadequate and potentially dangerous facilities then you can claim against the person or organisation that owns the equipment, e.g. defective gym equipment.
• Illegal tackles are another common sports injury. In sports like football and rugby, tackling is part of the game. However, each sport has clearly defined rules on what is defined as an acceptable tackle and what isn’t. A victim of an illegal tackle which represents a disproportionate level of force can claim against the competitor’s own or their club’s insurance.
• An injury can also be caused by a trainer, coach or instructor providing poor advice or failing to adequately supervise. If the coach or instructor is not sufficiently qualified you have a bigger chance of gaining compensation.
• A poorly maintained playing surface can also result in an injury. In this case the provider of the surface is liable against a claim.
• You may also receive an injury as a spectator of a sport. A sports club is liable against a claim if there are a lack of safety measures that put members of the crowd at risk of an injury either from an object on the field of play or other hazards. Likewise, if you have suffered an injury due to insufficient crowd control you can make a claim against either the club or, in some cases, the police.

Making a Sports Injury Claim

Sports Injury claims can be difficult to prove due to the high risk nature of participating in a sport. However, if you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of somebody else then you have a right to compensation. Following an injury you should first seek medical advice, for both treatment and to ensure that there are medical records documenting the extent of the injury. You should also collect witness statements from other players and match officials. These can be essential in proving your sports injury claim. Each case is decided on merit so you should seek legal advice to determine the chances of success.

At Lawson Taylor we offer non-obligatory expert advice free of charge. Sports injuries can not only mean that you are unable to play your favourite sport, but can also result in a loss of earnings. That is why it is essential that you contact our personal injury solicitors as early as possible. We operate on a no win no fee basis and you keep 100% compensation.