Sports injuries in British Columbia can put you on the sidelines in a hurry — and it’s not just competitive athletes who get hurt. Residents and tourists participate in various sports and recreational activities year-round, and accidents frequently send them to the hospital with serious injuries.
Many injured athletes mistakenly assume they have no legal options since they voluntarily participated in the activity. That’s not necessarily true. A Vancouver personal injury lawyer from Warnett Hallen LLP can determine whether anyone else could be financially responsible for your injuries.
Our law firm has the knowledge, resources, and proven track record you can trust with your sports injury claim. All our partners have over a decade of experience pursuing complex personal injury claims and lawsuits. We provide a one-on-one working experience, timely follow-ups, and a dedicated approach to our legal cases. Our mission is to take the stress off your shoulders and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Ready to get started? Contact Warnett Hallen LLP to speak with our sports and recreation lawyers today.
Types of Sports Injuries
No sport or physical activity is without the risk of injury, from contact sports like football and hockey to lower-impact activities like mountain biking and hiking. Sports injuries can occur due to overuse, excessive force, or an unprotected blow or fall.
Common examples of injuries that can occur while playing sports or participating in recreational activities in British Columbia include:
- Broken bones
- Severe lacerations and abrasions
- Ligament sprains and tears
- Muscle or tendon strains and tears
- Shoulder injuries
- Dislocations
- Herniated spinal discs
- Head injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck injuries such as whiplash
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Sports Injury in Vancouver?
Injuries may seem like a normal, unavoidable risk of playing sports or participating in recreational activities. However, sometimes they are the result of someone’s bad behavior. You might be able to hold another party liable for your injury if:
- The injury occurred outside the scope of the typical risk of injury for the activity.
- The injury happened due to the negligence or recklessness of a coach, instructor, referee, or other individual supervising the activity.
- The accident or injury was due to faulty equipment or an unreasonably dangerous condition of the playing area or recreational facility.
- The facility owner failed to adopt or enforce safety standards.
- Depending on the circumstances, various parties may bear liability for a sports injury. Potentially liable parties could include:
- A fellow athlete or sports participant who failed to follow safety standards
- A sports or recreational facility owner, if the accident occurred due to a dangerous condition of the facility outside the normal scope of risk
- Coaches, instructors, referees, or safety officials
- The sports or recreational league overseeing the activity
- A sports equipment manufacturer, if a flaw in the equipment caused a failure that led to your injury
Rights and Compensation for Sports Injury Victims
If another party caused your sports-related injury, they could owe you compensation for the effects of the injury on your life. Financial recovery in your case could include compensation for:
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Cost of long-term disability care or replacement services, such as housekeeping or childcare
- Home renovations to install disability accommodations
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning potential and employment benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Lost quality of life if you suffer permanent disfigurement, scarring, or disability
The Process of Filing a Sports Injury Claim
Filing a sports injury claim begins with consulting an experienced Vancouver personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the incident to recover evidence and determine whether any parties are liable for your injuries and losses. Your lawyer can also identify any insurance policies held by liable parties that may cover your injury claim.
The next step in the claims process involves drafting and filing insurance claims demanding full compensation for your injuries. The insurer will investigate your personal injury claim and could deny liability or accept responsibility for your injuries and make a settlement offer. Having a lawyer by your side at this stage is crucial. The first settlement offer is almost always too low.
If the liable party or insurance company doesn’t agree to a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue compensation for your sports injury in court.
What a Sports Injury Lawyer Can Do
The sports and recreation lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP can handle every step of the claims process for you. Let our firm pursue the financial recovery you need and deserve by:
- Thoroughly investigating the incident to identify the cause and potentially liable parties
- Documenting your injuries
- Determining all your past, current, and future financial and personal losses
- Preparing and filing your insurance or legal claims
- Updating you on the progress of your case
- Helping you make informed decisions about your best interests
- Taking your claims to trial when necessary so you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve
- Never charging a fee unless or until we win your case
Contact Our Experienced Sports Injury Lawyers Today
Recovering from sports injuries in BC can be painful, stressful, and financially draining. If someone else’s actions contributed to the accident, let Warnett Hallen LLP help you seek compensation for your losses. Contact us now for a free initial consultation.
