Playing organized sports can be an excellent way to socialize and stay active. However, it is vital to understand that choosing to participate in a sports event comes with the inherent risk of injury, as it is a natural part of the game. Unfortunately, all it takes sometimes is one wrong move that can leave you with serious injuries that affect you for the rest of your life. Many wonder whether they can take legal action against another party for a sports-related injury. Generally speaking, when you choose to play a sport, you assume a certain risk of injury. Therefore, you usually do not have grounds to file a lawsuit for your damages. However, certain exceptions may justify a lawsuit despite the assumption of risk. If you have been injured while participating in a sports event, contact a skilled Morris County Personal Injury Attorney who can help you fight for the just compensation you deserve.
Can I sue if I’m injured while participating in a sports event in New Jersey?
In most cases, if you suffer an injury while participating in a sports event, you likely do not have viable grounds to file a lawsuit due to the assumption of risk. However, there are a few instances in which there are exceptions to the assumption of risk involved with participating in a sports event. Firstly, many sports are highly competitive, and athletes can let that get to their heads, causing them to become heated during the game. When another party engages in malicious behavior with the intent to injure another person, they can be held liable for any damages resulting from their negligent actions. For example, suppose a player intentionally elbows another player in the face, breaking their nose. In that case, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed to recover the costs of the damages you’ve incurred.
Moreover, another exception to the assumption of risk is negligent coaching. Coaches are responsible for the safety and well-being of their team, as their job is to guide their players during a game. Unfortunately, due to the competitive nature of sporting events, coaches may put their players in dangerous situations as they only care about winning. They can be liable for your damages if they refuse to let you take a water break or force you to continue playing despite an apparent injury.
Furthermore, most sports require specific equipment and protective gear to keep individuals safe while playing. Sadly, when sports equipment is worn out, not regularly inspected, or malfunctions due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect, you can file a product liability claim.
Although risk is assumed when you choose to participate in a sports event, some injured are not just part of the game. In such cases, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of a determined Morris County personal injury attorney from Lutz Injury Law who can help you understand your legal options. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek reasonable compensation for their damages and hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.