Sports Injury Claims: How a Sports Injury Lawyer Can Help
A serious sports injury can leave you stranded on the sidelines.
If someone else is responsible for what happened, you should not have to pay the price.
Let the legal team at Warnett Hallen LLP get you back in the game by seeking compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
For over a decade, our experienced lawyers have fought to protect the rights and interests of injured people throughout British Columbia. Our firm provides exceptional client service, one-on-one consultations, timely follow-ups, and most importantly, results that make a difference in our clients’ lives.
Ready to put us to work on your case? Contact Warnett Hallen LLP today for a free consultation.
Common Types of Sports Injuries in British Columbia
Sports accidents can lead to serious injuries, such as:
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Ligament and muscle sprains/tears
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Herniated discs and other back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Crush injuries
- Vital organ trauma
- Internal bleeding
Who Can Be Liable for a Sports Injury?
A recent decision from the BC Court of Appeal has made it clear that people injured while playing recreational sports such as hockey or soccer can successfully sue for compensation where the reckless play of another player injured them.
Sports and other athletic activities have an inherent risk of injury, especially contact sports like hockey and football. While some sports injuries are simply bad luck, others are the result of negligence on the part of:
- Athletic facility owners
- Sports league organizers
- Coaches
- Referees
- Equipment manufacturers
Players may also bear liability for causing sports injuries due to reckless or intentional behavior. Recklessness may occur when a player consciously disregards the risk that their play or other action can injure others, especially when such actions violate the rules of the sport. Players also sometimes get caught up in the heat of competition and cause intentional injuries out of anger or frustration.
Why You Need an Experienced Sports Injury Lawyer
Hiring legal representation is a crucial first step to seek compensation after a sports injury. It may be challenging to prove that someone else was responsible for your injuries, especially if you got hurt while playing a contact sport such as hockey, soccer, or football. Many people (insurance companies included) may try to write the whole thing off as a freak accident.
Here’s the truth: Far too many accidents are preventable. An experienced sports injury lawyer can gather compelling evidence to show you sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence. After determining liability, your lawyer can start building a claim demanding full compensation for your losses.
You also need to consider who you are suing. Are you going up against a big corporation that manufactured faulty sports equipment or the owner of a giant sports facility? Insurance companies can hire lawyers who will aggressively fight the claim. An experienced sports injury lawyer can prevent you from being bullied out of the settlement you deserve.
Navigating the Sports Injury Claims Process
The claims process begins with a thorough investigation of what led to the injury. An experienced lawyer can recover evidence of the other party’s fault, such as camera footage, photos and videos from the accident scene, and eyewitness testimony. They might also work with expert witnesses in fields like kinesiology and economics to demonstrate the cause and extent of your injuries and their long-term consequences.
After gathering evidence and developing a plan, the next step is filing your sports injury claim with the at-fault party or their insurance company. Insurance adjusters will review your claim and may accept liability, deny it, or make a settlement offer. Prepare for the first settlement offer to be too low. Your lawyer will begin negotiations for maximum compensation.
If the insurer does not make a fair settlement offer, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to pursue financial recovery at trial. Hiring a sports injury lawyer can make the claims process less stressful and ensure you have professional guidance every step of the way.
Compensation for Sports Injuries in British Columbia
Depending on the extent and circumstances of your sports injury, you could be entitled to money for your:
- Out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Costs of long-term disability care and support services, such as home health care, housekeeping/childcare assistance, or home renovations to install disability accommodations
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential and employment benefits if you become permanently disabled
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life due to permanent disabilities or visible scarring/disfigurement
Contact a Sports Injury Lawyer in British Columbia Today
Warnett Hallen LLP is a respected British Columbia personal injury law firm. If you or a loved one was harmed in a sports accident, let us help you hold the responsible party accountable for your losses. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
