British Columbia is a province full of opportunities for sports and recreational activities. Whether you cycle, ski, or take to the backcountry on an ATV, there is one thing these hobbies have in common — a high risk of injury. If you got hurt in a sports accident and someone else is to blame, you could seek compensation through a sports injury lawsuit.
Winning a personal injury case relies on showing another party’s negligence harmed you. Solid evidence is essential, but what do you need to succeed? A skilled lawyer from Warnett Hallen LLP can explain the most common types of evidence in sports injury lawsuits and what will best support your case.
For decades, our experienced personal injury lawyers have helped clients in Vancouver and throughout BC to obtain justice and financial security after preventable sports accidents. Our commitment is demonstrated by an impressive track record that includes top-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured people and our repeated selection as the “Best Lawyer When an Accident Strikes” by Georgia Straight.
To learn how our law firm can help, call or contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Vancouver sports injury lawyer.
What Types of Evidence are Important After a Sports Injury?
To a great extent, the evidence you will need for a sports injury lawsuit will depend on the facts of your case and who you are suing. Some of the most effective forms of evidence in these cases include:
- Medical records – Your medical records document your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments, which are crucial for proving the veracity and severity of your injuries.
- Photos and videos – Visual evidence can capture the sporting accident as it happened, show its aftermath, and document the hazardous conditions or equipment that caused it.
- Witness statements – Statements from bystanders or other players who witnessed the accident can reinforce your sports injury claim.
- Expert testimony – Medical professionals, sports safety experts, and accountants can provide insight into your injuries, how they occurred, and the personal and financial impact the accident has had on your life.
- Incident reports – Reports filed by referees, sports facility management, or event organizers are valuable in substantiating the event.
The more types of evidence you have to prove negligence, the better.
How Can a Sports Injury Lawyer Assist With Evidence Collection After an Accident?
Sports injury lawyers have extensive experience collecting compelling evidence to demonstrate their clients’ losses. At Warnett Hallen LLP, we will:
- Investigate the cause of the injury
- Identify every liable party
- Collect and preserve evidence of negligence
- File a sports injury claim seeking maximum compensation
- Fight insurance companies who want you to settle for less
Let us oversee the claims process while you focus on rest and rehabilitation.
How Do Medical Records Help My Case?
The success of your sports injury case hinges on whether you can prove an injury occurred. That makes medical records essential. Medical records provide solid proof that you suffered a serious injury and the extent of the damage. When confronted with your medical records, it is far more difficult for insurance companies to deny that you exaggerated or fabricated your injuries. Additionally, your medical records can establish a direct link between the incident and your injury and outline your treatment and potential prognosis.
What Visual Evidence Do I Need for a Sports Injury Claim?
Visual evidence is a particularly compelling way to demonstrate negligence in sports injury cases. Usually, this comes in the form of photos and videos of the accident scene or the incident caught in real time. For example, if you are filing a defective sports equipment lawsuit, having video footage of the equipment malfunctioning while you used it can be an undeniable asset when proving your claim.
Is Witness Testimony Important to Win My Case?
Witness testimony can be crucial for winning your sports injury case, especially if no visual evidence is available. Even when presented with medical records and photographs of your injuries, the defendant’s lawyers may say that none of it shows their client is the one who caused you harm.
However, witness testimony from other players or spectators can corroborate your claims. If other people were present when your injury happened and agree with your version of events, it adds credibility to your case.
Who May Be Held Liable for a Sports Injury?
A crucial step in the sports injury legal process is determining who may be held liable for your injuries. Some of the parties you could hold liable for negligence in sports injury cases are:
- Facility and event operators – You could file a lawsuit against the facility or event operator in charge of the game if their negligence contributed to your injury.
- Coaches and trainers – If negligent practices caused your injury, a coach or trainer could be liable.
- Equipment manufacturers – You could file a personal injury case against product manufacturers if defects contributed to your sports injury.
- Other players – You could file a lawsuit against another player if their recklessness caused your injury, such as if they tackled or checked you from behind.
Once your lawyer identifies all at-fault parties, they can build a claim demanding full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
What Should I Do After a Sports Injury Someone Else Caused?
Take the following steps to protect your right to seek compensation for your injuries after a sporting accident:
- Seek medical treatment – See a doctor and follow all recommendations until you fully recover or are not expected to heal further.
- Document the incident – Take photographs of your visible injuries and any defective equipment or facility conditions that contributed to the accident.
- Collect witness information – Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information so your lawyer can get their statements.
- Avoid communicating with the other party(s) – Do not provide a recorded statement to any insurance adjusters. They will aim to get you to say something they can use to assign partial fault to you, reducing the damages you could recover.
- Consult a sports injury lawyer – The best way to protect your rights is to consult a knowledgeable lawyer to learn if you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Our Vancouver Sports Injury Lawyers
If you need legal help for sports injuries caused by a negligent athletic facility, referee, sports league, equipment manufacturer, or player, Warnett Hallen LLP can review your case and explain your options in a free consultation. Contact us today to arrange your case review with a member of our legal team.
