Summer of Sport – Sporting Activities And The Risk Of Personal Injury
We are experiencing a fantastic summer which naturally encourages people to go outdoors and participate in a wide range of sports activities.
Sporting activities can be incredibly fun and also help people to keep active and improve both physical and mental health.
At the same time, sporting activities can carry certain risks which individuals need to consider before participating in sporting activities.
The essential elements for pursuing a personal injury claim apply equally to sports and leisure accident claims. The defendant must owe the Claimant a duty of care; breach that duty and cause injury which can be connected to the breach.
When representing individuals who have suffered injuries from sporting or leisure activities, we often have to advise that participants taking part in these activities assume a certain degree of risk by participating in the sport or leisure activity.
Claims may arise from various types of sporting and leisure activities
Examples include:-
- Water sport activities
- Ball games
- Cycling
- Team building events
- Assault courses
- Indoor and outdoor climbing
- Skiing holidays
The potential Defendants for sporting and leisure activities can vary from event organisers, owners of sports facilities or grounds, instructors and fellow participants, sports clubs and match officials.
Tips for individuals prior to participating in a sporting or leisure activity
- Read any guidance and rules provided relating to the sporting or leisure activity
- Carefully read any waivers before you agree to sign the waiver and participate in the activity
- Follow all training provided by any instructors or employees on site
- Identify any first aid providers beforehand
- Carefully consider or look out for any warning signs at the premises/location of the sport or leisure activity
Tips for individuals injured following a sporting or leisure activity accident
The following practical issues should be considered when pursuing a sports injury claim:
- Report the accident and ensure a copy of the accident report is provided to you to check as certain Defendants do not note accident circumstances correctly
- Request first aid if available and seek medical attention from your GP and Hospital
- Obtain the the correct title of the defendant and their address and contact details as soon as possible. You may also wish to ask for details of their insurance company and policy number
- Note details of any witnesses while the events are fresh in the witness’s mind
- Ask for any CCTV footage to be preserved and take photographs of any potential safety issues which may have caused the accident before it is remedied
Whilst participation in most sporting and leisure activities go without any problems and can be a great deal of fun, unfortunately on some occasions accidents can occur.
If you have suffered injuries following a sporting or leisure accident and require legal assistance from our personal injury experts, please call us now on 0330 822 3451 or request a call back online.