A sporting injury is one that occurs during a youth or adult sporting event or practice. Depending on the circumstances, an injured party may be able to hold someone else liable. Sports carrying a high risk of injury include:
* Rugby, hockey, football and other contact sports
* Martial arts (judo, karate, tae kwon do) and boxing
* Extreme sports like skydiving, snowboarding and mountain biking
* Shooting sports such as paintball, laser tag and Airsoft
The most common injuries are strains, sprains, broken bones and spine/head injuries. Generally, most sporting injury claims involve traumatic rather than stress-related injuries. One party cannot hold another liable for overuse/overexertion injuries, but if one participant causes another person’s injuries, there may be a basis for a civil suit. Even in non-contact sports, supervisors and coaches can be found liable for other parties’ injuries, including spectators.
Legal Remedies for Those Injured During a Sporting Event
Most sporting injury lawsuits are settled when monetary damages are paid to the injured party. Once someone is found liable, courts determine the size of the award; it’s meant to cover medical bills and rehabilitation expenses. With injuries during organized sports, there may be an investigation to determine if the league or sanctioning body’s policies were acceptable.
Sporting Injury Suits and Consent Issues
A common issue during sporting event injury suits is consent. An organization or individual can’t be held liable for an injury risk which the plaintiff consented to in the past. Many gyms, sporting leagues and organizations require all participants to sign a liability waiver, which releases the sanctioning body from liability for injuries sustained during sporting events. However, in cases involving sports violence (unnecessary roughness or fighting), Neifert Byrne & Ozga P.C. Des Moines can help.
Sporting Event Injuries: Do You Need a Lawyer?
An injury sustained during participation in a sporting event often involves complex legalities, and the case can involve multiple parties. You will likely need a Des Moines Attorney to assist you in filing your claim. A personal injury lawyer can give you advice and they can represent you in court, and they can clarify any concerns or questions that may arise during legal proceedings.
