Participating in sports events, whether as a player or spectator, is often an enjoyable experience. However, sports games always come with the risk of injury. Although no one wants to think about getting injured while playing the sport they love, it can happen. Sports-related injuries can have devastating consequences similar to those sustained after a car accident and can negatively impact an individual’s life. As a result, many people wonder if they can seek monetary compensation for their damages. Keep reading to learn if you can take legal action for injuries sustained during a sports event and how our skilled Prince George’s County Personal Injury Lawyers can help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
What is the assumption of risk?
When you decide to play any organized sport, such as soccer, hockey, football, or baseball, there is always the potential risk of injury, as it is an inherent danger associated with the nature of the game. This potential risk of injury is known as the assumption of risk. When you decide to play a sport, you know that participating in this type of activity can be inherently dangerous, but knowing the risks, you decide to play anyway. For example, when you take an inadvertent elbow to the face while playing in a soccer game, which results in a broken nose, there are no viable grounds for a lawsuit due to the assumption of risk. When you choose to participate in the game, you know it is possible to get hurt since it is a natural part of the sport. Nonetheless, there are certain circumstances where an injured person can pursue legal action for their injuries if they were deliberately and unfairly caused.
Can I sue if I’m injured during an organized sports event?
Unfortunately, in some cases, injuries are more than just a natural part of the game. As mentioned above, when injuries are intentionally inflicted and unjustly caused, an injured individual is entitled to file a personal injury claim to seek monetary compensation for their damages. Sports are often competitive, and athletes tend to get heated on the field. If you are attacked by another player or a fan in the stands at an event, there is no assumption of risk, as malicious behavior is outside the scope of what we can expect when participating in an organized sports event. Therefore, if another person intentionally causes you harm, malicious behavior is grounds to file a personal injury claim.
Moreover, another instance in which an injury is outside the scope of what can be expected is when they are caused as a result of negligent coaching. If your coach would not allow you to take a water break or your condition worsens because they throw you back into a game after an apparent injury, they can be held liable as these injuries are not just part of the game. Coaches are responsible for ensuring the well-being and safety of their players. When these types of injuries are sustained, they are outside the risks we assume when deciding to play the sport.
If you have been injured during an organized sports event due to someone else’s negligence, contact a determined lawyer from the legal team at Timian & Fawcett, LLC, who can help you fight for the rightful compensation you deserve.
