Playing sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball, football, cheerleading, and other pastimes is a popular activity as it allows individuals to socialize and develop life skills while staying physically active. No one likes to think about getting injured playing a sport they love. However, getting hurt while participating in an organized sport can lead to various damages that negatively impact your life. In such cases, individuals often wonder whether they can file a personal injury claim against the responsible party to seek monetary compensation for their damages. In most cases, there are no viable grounds for a lawsuit regarding a sports-related injury due to the assumption of risk. Nonetheless, there are certain exceptions to the assumption of risk. If you have suffered an injury while participating in a sports event, contact a talented New York City Personal Injury Attorney who can help you understand your legal options.
Can I sue if I was injured while participating in a sports event?
When engaging in a sport, the possibility of getting injured is a natural part of the activity. This is known as the assumption of risk. When we decide to participate in a sport, we understand it can be inherently dangerous, but despite knowing the risks, we choose to play anyway. Therefore, when we take an unintentional elbow to the face while participating in a game of rugby, there are no grounds for filing a lawsuit due to the assumption of risk.
Nevertheless, there are a few instances in which injuries are not just “part of the game.” If you are injured while playing a sport or attending a sports event, and another person intentionally causes you harm, this is outside the scope of what can be expected and therefore is not an assumed risk. If you are injured due to someone else’s malicious actions, you are entitled to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages.
Moreover, negligent coaching is another risk beyond the scope of what can be expected. If you suffer an illness due to your coach not allowing you to take a water break or sustain an injury because they throw you back into the game after an apparent injury, you can file a claim against the negligent coach for your losses. Additionally, many sports require safety equipment to protect against injuries. You may pursue a product liability claim when equipment malfunctions, meaning the sports equipment does not function as intended, making it unreasonably unsafe.
Although many sports-related injuries do not constitute a lawsuit, there are instances in which injuries are outside the scope of what can be expected when participating in a game or attending a sports event. Therefore, if you have suffered a sports-related injury, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of a knowledgeable New York City personal injury attorney from the Law Office of Brian J. Elbaum to discuss how we can help you fight for the rightful compensation to which you may be entitled.
