Many people in Northern Ireland participate in sporting activities, some as amateurs and some as professional sports people. Whatever sport you play, there can be a risk of injury, some more than others particularly when physical contact is permitted in the rules of that sport.
Personal injury claims for sporting injuries can be difficult to pursue as it is a generally accepted concept in law that when people agree to participate in sport they are also accepting the risk of injury involved in that sport. If an injury has occurred in the normal course of a game, for example, following a tackle in sports such as rugby, football or GAA or from a stray ball as might be expected in golf or hockey, any claim would be unlikely to succeed.
However, if an injury arises from something that is not expected during the normal course of that sport, a claim for compensation may be successful. Examples of such can include:
- a deliberate attempt to injure;
- a reckless act such as a tackle or hitting a golf ball with people in vicinity;
- defective equipment (such as in a gym) or
- unsafe playing surfaces.
In the event of a deliberate attempt to injure or by the effect of reckless behaviour, witness evidence will be paramount in proving that the conduct giving rise to the injury was more than just a poor or mistimed challenge or a bad tee shot. It is important to get details of the participant who caused the injury and statements from anyone who may have witnessed the events. Commonly, match officials such as referees or umpires compile reports as a matter of course and these reports can be extremely helpful in pursuing a claim. If, due to injury you are unable to gather such information, ask team mates or club officials to do so.
Similarly, if the injuries are caused as a result of defective equipment or an unsafe surface, evidence of the cause of injury is important. Report the accident as soon as possible and good quality photographs should be taken where possible.
JMK Solicitors are Northern Ireland’s Number 1 Personal Injury Specialists. With a team of over 100 people including a team of personal injury solicitors, we assist clients all over Northern Ireland. If you have suffered a personal injury, been in a road traffic accident, or had an accident at work, contact our team for a free consultation.
Call us today on 028 9032 0222 or email us law@jmksolicitors.com
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