Sports Injury Claims
Participating in sports, whether at an amateur or professional level, carries certain risks that can lead to injuries. If you have suffered a sports injury that was not your fault while taking part in, or watching, a sporting activity, the team at JMW is here to help you make a sports injury claim. We have years of experience securing sports injury compensation for those who have suffered as a result of somebody else’s negligence.
To speak to a solicitor about making a sporting accident claim, call us now on 0345 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form and let us know a convenient time to get back to you.
What Our Clients Say
How JMW Can Help
You are entitled to make a claim if you suffer a sports injury as a result of another party’s negligence. Making a sports accident claim can be complex because it isn’t always clear who is at fault. However, regardless of the activity, accidents can happen and when they do, it is important you get the support of a specialist lawyer to help you seek compensation.
We have a great deal of experience handling cases relating to sports injuries, and have worked with individuals who have suffered while taking part in the following activities:
- Athletics
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Football
- Golf
- Gym workouts
- Ice skating
- Mountain biking
- Netball
- Rugby
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Tennis
Meet Our Team
Our personal injury team at JMW is made up of dedicated and experienced professionals, here to offer compassionate support and expert guidance to help you through your sports injury claim.
Regardless of the activity you were taking part in, if your sports injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a sporting accident claim.
When you are involved in a sporting accident, the stress of suffering an injury is likely to be amplified as you may have to refrain from taking part in an enjoyable hobby. If you are a professional sports person, you may even be facing the prospect of being unable to continue your career. Our experts understand the distress this can cause and, if you make a sports injury claim, we will ensure you receive the best support and advice to help reduce the impact on your quality of life.
JMW can help ensure you are appropriately compensated for your injuries, and can assist you in reclaiming any incurred expenses suffered as a result of the sports accident. This can mean anything from time taken off work, damaged items and sporting equipment and medical bills. We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the best possible service and support after an accident, and our goal is to help you get back to the position you were in before the injury as quickly as possible.
Causes of Sports Injuries
There are many different ways an injury can happen while you are participating in a sport; however, those caused by somebody else’s negligence are likely to derive from the following:
- Other participants acting recklessly
- Defective equipment or facilities
- Inadequate training
- Poorly maintained pitches and flooring
- Incorrect instructions from a coach or instructor
It is not only participants who can be injured during a sports activity. We have also helped spectators and bystanders make successful claims for injuries sustained through no fault of their own. For example, we’ve dealt with claims for those who have been injured by stray tennis and golf balls whilst at events, or walking past recreation grounds.
Ultimately, whatever the scale of your injury, if it has happened as the result of another party’s negligence, you are entitled to make a sports injury claim.
Why Choose JMW?
When faced with the aftermath of a sports injury, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. JMW's reputation for excellence is a testament to the quality of our service and our commitment to our clients. Our firm's recognition in esteemed legal directories, including the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, underscores our position as a leading authority across many sectors of law, including sports injury claims.
Our team of experienced personal injury and sports injury lawyers has a successful track record in securing compensation for our clients and is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of sports injury cases. We recognise that every sport comes with its own set of risks and potential injuries, and so we stay informed and up-to-date on any situation that may arise.
We offer our personal injury services on a no win, no fee basis. This policy ensures that you can pursue compensation without the burden of upfront legal fees, and is a testament to our confidence that we will be able to secure the best possible outcome for you.
FAQs About Sports Injury Claims
- Who can be held responsible for a sports injury?
Determining responsibility for a sports injury requires a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Various parties may be held liable, depending on the nature of the injury and how it occurred:
- Other participants or players might be liable for your injury if it was the result of their reckless or intentional misconduct.
- Coaches and trainers have a duty of care to ensure athletes are properly trained and not exposed to unnecessary risks. Injuries resulting from inadequate training, improper techniques, or pushing athletes beyond their limits might render these professionals liable.
- Equipment manufacturers might be responsible under product liability laws if your injury was caused by defective or malfunctioning sports equipment.
- Owners and operators of sports facilities responsible for maintaining the premises where the sports activity took place can be held liable if your injury was due to unsafe conditions, such as poorly maintained playing surfaces or inadequate safety measures.
- Event organisers and schools can be held responsible if they failed to ensure a safe environment, or neglected to provide adequate medical care during sporting events.
Each case is unique, and liability can sometimes be shared among multiple parties. Consult with a sports injury lawyer to get a comprehensive assessment of who may be held responsible in your specific situation.
- Is there a time limit for filing a sports injury claim?
Generally, there is a three-year time limit for filing a sports injury claim. However, if the injury or its severity was not immediately apparent, the time limit might begin from the date you became aware (or should have reasonably become aware) of the injury and its connection to the sporting activity.
If the injured party is a child, the time limit for filing a claim usually does not begin until they reach the age of 18. However, a parent or guardian may be able to file a claim on behalf of the minor before this time. From this age, the child has until the age of 21 to bring their own sports injury compensation claim.
Sports injury compensation claims made on behalf of people who lack the mental capacity to do so for themselves may not be subject to a time limit at all.
- Can I file a sports injury claim if I signed a waiver or participated voluntarily?
Signing a waiver or participating in a sport voluntarily does not entirely remove your right to file a claim in the event of an injury. While waivers are designed to protect organisations from liability for accidents and injuries, they are not always absolute. They cannot protect against gross negligence, reckless conduct or intentional harm. If your injury resulted from such conduct, the waiver may not prevent you from pursuing a claim.
For a waiver to be enforceable, it must be clear, unambiguous and specific. If the waiver was poorly drafted or did not adequately inform you of the risks involved, it might not be valid.
Additionally, if the injury was caused by factors outside what was covered by the waiver, or if the conditions were unsafe beyond what might be considered an inherent risk of the sport, you might still have a valid claim.
Even if you signed a waiver, consult with a sports injury lawyer to assess the specifics of your case and determine if you have grounds to file a claim.
- How long does it typically take to resolve a sports injury claim?
More complex cases, especially those involving severe injuries or disputed liability, may take longer to investigate and resolve. If both parties are willing to negotiate and reach a settlement, the claim may be resolved quicker. However, if the claim proceeds to trial, it can extend the timeline. Court schedules, procedural requirements and other legal factors can also impact the time it takes to resolve the claim.
Consulting with a sports injury solicitor can provide a more tailored estimate based on the specifics of your case, and an experienced professional will help make evidence-gathering and communications more efficient, saving you time and money in the long run.
- What if the sports injury occurred during a professional event or game?
Professional athletes often have contracts that include clauses related to injuries and compensation. Review these agreements, and any insurance policies you have, as they can impact the ability to pursue a claim.
Determining liability in professional sports can be complex. Issues such as consent to risk, the conduct of other players, and the role of coaching and organisational staff are crucial factors. However, with the help of expert personal injury solicitors, you can be confident in your ability to claim compensation.
Talk to Us
If you would like to discuss making a claim with us, get in touch with our sports injury solicitors by either calling 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form to request a callback.
