If you sustained a sports injury in British Columbia, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. A sports injury lawyer from Warnett Hallen LLP can help in all aspects of your case. From gathering evidence and handling the claims process to filing a lawsuit if necessary, we offer comprehensive legal services for personal injury claims and want to help you recover full compensation for your losses.
Follow these steps immediately after a sports injury to protect your legal rights and develop a solid foundation for your case.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Sports accidents can result in both minor and serious injuries. Your health and safety while participating in a game or match is paramount. If you suffered severe sports and recreation injuries, you likely received emergency medical care and transport to the nearest hospital. If you believe you may have been hurt but are not experiencing a medical crisis, promptly see your primary care physician or an urgent care facility to assess your condition.
Some serious injuries are not immediately evident after an accident. Go to the doctor as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms to protect your health, start treatment, and create a link between the accident and your injuries on your medical record.
Follow your prescribed treatment plan precisely as ordered. Fill every prescription and go to every appointment. This step is critical in demonstrating the extent of your sports injuries and showing that you did everything possible to prevent further harm.
Report the Injury
If you were hurt while playing, alert the official immediately so they can stop the game and get help for you. After receiving the medical care you need, report the incident to the appropriate authorities or sports facility to make an official record of the incident. This could be critical evidence for your case.
Gather Evidence
Compelling evidence is crucial to the success of your personal injury claim. A Vancouver sports injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the incident and identify the evidence needed to make a strong case. However, there are steps you can take at the accident scene if your injuries do not incapacitate you. After you receive any necessary medical treatment:
- Consider returning to the accident scene to photograph the location where you were injured, noting any defects with the facility or faulty sports equipment that could have caused the injury.
- Take photos of your injuries.
- Keep the clothing and shoes you wore when you got hurt. Don’t wash them.
- Speak to any eyewitnesses. Record what they observed and provide their names and contact information to your lawyer.
All this information will help your lawyer begin an independent investigation of the incident. They may also collect additional evidence to identify liable parties and support your claim for compensation.
Keep Detailed Records
Personal injury cases are most successful when there is detailed documentation of the claimant’s losses. You can help your sports injury claim by keeping detailed records of every accident-related expense and correspondence you have with your employer or an insurance company. Helpful personal records include:
- Receipts – You will likely receive medical bills consistently after receiving initial treatment and follow-up care for your sports injury. Keep track of all medical expenses and accident-related costs, such as transportation to and from appointments, rental costs for assistive devices like crutches or a wheelchair, and lost wages.
- Insurance communications – Letters and phone calls from the insurance companies involved in your case may begin before you have time to hire a sports injury lawyer in British Columbia. You can always tell the insurance company you won’t proceed until you retain legal counsel. Put all correspondence in a folder and note when and to whom you spoke.
- A daily diary – Keep track of the symptoms you experience after the accident. Rate your pain on a scale of one to 10 and note it in your journal. Track your progress if you attend any physical therapy sessions. You can also record how the injury affects your daily life. Specifically, state whether there are household or other tasks you can no longer perform due to your sports injuries.
Consult a British Columbia Sports Injury Lawyer
Seeking advice from a sports injury lawyer is crucial after an accident. Whether you were injured intentionally by another player or due to the negligence of a sports facility, sports league, recreational company, or equipment manufacturer, a lawyer can help you hold every liable party accountable for the harm you suffered.
Cases against individuals, local businesses, and giant corporations come with challenges that may be difficult to overcome without the help of a skilled lawyer. For example, certain evidence may not be available to a private individual but is readily accessible by a subpoena through your lawyer. That evidence could mean the difference between a successful outcome and losing out on maximum compensation for sports injuries. With so much on the line, it’s wise to consult the experienced lawyers from Warnett Hallen LLP before taking legal action.
Our Sports Injury Attorneys Can Help
Warnett Hallen LLP is an award-winning personal injury law firm serving clients in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia. If you suffered a serious injury in a sports accident, you can count on our lawyers to fight for maximum compensation for your losses. We understand that the legal process may feel intimidating, but you’ll never be alone with us on your side.
With a sports injury lawyer from Warnett Hallen LLP in your corner, you can be confident you have a legal advocate with your best interests in mind. Call us today for a free consultation.
