With most sports, there is a risk of injury. Whether you’re playing a team sport like rugby, or you are alone, perhaps skating, skiing, running or lifting weights at the gym, there is always a chance that you may injure yourself. This is why professional athletes need to keep to strict physiotherapy programmes and are coached intensely on how to avoid injury.
However, some injuries that a professional or hobbyist might endure may have been preventable and be the fault of another person. In these cases, you may be able to make a claim for a personal injury.
Examples of what could cause an accident or injury that was not your fault:
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A dangerous movement performed in the game, which could range from an improper tackle in a football game, to taking a shot at a golf course when someone else is in range.
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The umpire, referee or another person in charge not making every effort to ensure that an accident is not made.
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Violence from another player, or spectator.
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An improperly maintained pitch, court or ground which could cause a slip or trip.
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Instructors, personal trainers or referees not giving proper instruction about health and safety and preventing injury.
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Poorly maintained or faulty hire equipment, such as skiing equipment, canoes or bicycles. As well as poorly maintained or faulty gym equipment.
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Inadequate signage at a venue.
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Unequal matching of opponents in the case of boxing or other fighting sports.
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Improper return to play, you may have been advised to return to the game too quickly after an injury or concussion.
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Lack of proper emergency medical plans and first aid.
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Improper fittings of equipment.
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Lack of credentials and training in venue staff or trainers.
People who are in charge of training, refereeing, or providing sports facilities must ensure that their negligence does not cause injuries. Players should also be careful not to injure others with improper movement or inappropriate aggression.
Common sports injuries include:
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Dislocations.
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Back injuries including fractures and slipped discs.
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Cuts and lacerations.
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Tears to the knee or ankle tendons and ligaments.
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Wrist fractures or sprains.
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Facial injuries such as loss of teeth or a broken nose.
What should I do if I become injured while playing sports or training and it was not my fault?
The first steps are to seek medical advice and to collect evidence of what happened. Please read our full guide to claiming for a sports injury here.
When claiming for personal injury, many things will be taken into account. Such as how severe the damage is, how it has made a difference to your day to day activities and how it will impact you in the future. A sports injury could leave you unable to work for some time, and in the case of a professional athlete, their career could be over indefinitely.
Injury is not always part and parcel of engaging with a sport. If you have been injured due to a sports injury that was caused by someone else’s actions or negligence, we will be able to advise you on how to proceed. We can give free face to face advice about what you can expect from your claim. We may also be able to help you with rehabilitation and support. To speak to a local solicitor, fill in our claims form. If we believe we can assist you, we will arrange a home visit as soon as the same day, so that you can talk about your concerns face to face. Alternatively, you can call us on 0114 267 8780.
Speak to a solicitor about making a claim.
