Recovering Compensation for Sports & Recreation Accidents

If you have been injured while participating in a sports or recreational activity, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

When Can You Recover Compensation after a Sports or Recreational Injury?

You might be entitled to compensation after a sports or recreational activity if your injuries were caused by the negligence of another person or entity. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care that another person would have under similar circumstances. However, participation in sports and recreational activities inherently involves some level of risk, and not all injuries are the result of negligence. Therefore, whether another party is liable will depend on your unique situation.

Who is Liable for a Sports or Recreation Injury?

Here are a few examples of parties who may be liable for sports or recreational injuries:

• Property Owners: If the injury occurred on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable if they failed to properly maintain the property or warn visitors of any hazards.
• Co-Participants: In some cases, a co-participant in the activity may be liable if they acted recklessly or intentionally caused the injury.
• Equipment Manufacturers: If the injury was caused by defective equipment, the manufacturer, distributor, or any other party involved in the product’s distribution chain may be liable.
• Organizers and Event Sponsors: If the injury occurred during an organized event or competition, the organizers or event sponsors may be liable if they failed to take appropriate safety precautions.

For instance, suppose you were injured while playing a game of basketball because the court was not properly maintained. In that case, you may be able to seek compensation from the owner or operator of the facility. Similarly, if you were skiing and injured because a ski lift was not properly maintained, you may be able to hold the ski resort liable.

What To Do After a Sports or Recreational Injury

If you’ve been injured in a sports or recreational activity and believe that someone else may be liable for your injuries, here are some steps to follow so you can file a claim:

• Gather evidence at the scene: Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim, such as photos of the area, your injuries, and witness contact information and statements.
• Notify the appropriate parties: If the injury occurred on someone else’s property or at an organized event, you should notify the property owner, manager, organizer, or sponsor as soon as possible.
• Seek medical attention: Get medical treatment for your injuries as soon as you leave the scene. Continue any recommended treatment and keep detailed records of all medical expenses and symptoms related to the injury.

Lastly, consult an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help you identify the liable party, understand your legal options, gather evidence, and guide you through the claims process. They will handle every aspect of your case, including estimating the value of your claim and negotiating a fair settlement or representing you in court if necessary.