Sports injury claim

Sports injury claim

For getting your life back on track

Sustaining an injury during a sports activity can be devastating. It could force you to take time off or permanently affect your ability to play. If you have a career in sports, an injury can change your life, but even if you only play as a hobby the results can be no less disruptive. Serious injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, but even a minor injury could affect your day-to-day life, including your work and your relationships.

The subsequent emotional weight of a sports injury can leave you feeling anxious about your future and your general health and affect your mental wellbeing. If you need to take time off work to recover, or pay for lifestyle adjustments to accommodate your injury, it may also affect your financial security. If your injury was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that could help.

At Switalskis, we know what's at stake in these cases. We specialise in personal injury claims and our legal team is ready to guide you through the process of securing the compensation you deserve. We're experienced at managing sports injury claims and we understand the compassionate approach needed for such delicate matters. Whether your injury resulted from a rugby scrum, a negligent gym instructor or poorly maintained sports facilities, our team can help you to understand your legal options in response to the incident and help you move forward.

For tailored legal advice, simply call us today on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via our website .

To get started, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.

How Switalskis can help

When you contact us, our first step will be to talk through the specifics of your situation. We want to get the full picture of what happened to you and how it affected your life. That way, we can assess the viability of your claim and walk you through what making a claim will entail.

Navigating a personal injury claim can seem daunting at first, but you're not alone. We’ll work closely with you, breaking down each step into simple terms and working to move your case forward so you can spend more time focusing on your recovery. From the initial consultations to the day you receive your compensation, we're committed to making sure you know what's going on.

Understanding how your sports injury has impacted your life is a vital part of our process. This helps us tailor our advice to your unique circumstances, strengthening your claim and making the process easier for you.

While we tackle the legal aspects of your claim, our ultimate goal is to pave the way for your recovery - physically, emotionally and financially. This means we'll strive to secure the maximum compensation you're entitled to, so you can afford the best treatment, regain your quality of life and return to the sport you love as soon as possible.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

How can negligence lead to sports injuries?

Playing a sport can be risky, but sports injuries are usually preventable when people take the appropriate care and implement the necessary safety measures. When a sports injury happens, it’s often due to negligence or a failure to adhere to safety standards. Below are some of the most common situations in which negligence can result in sports-related injuries. We’ve helped many clients deal with the aftermath of an injury like these, but this list doesn’t cover all the possible ways that you might be injured and owed compensation when playing a sport.

  • Insufficient training or supervision: whether you're at a gym, football club or swimming pool, the staff or instructors have a duty to guide and supervise activities adequately. Failure to do so, or to enforce safety policies, can easily lead to injuries for which the facility might be considered liable.
  • Faulty or poorly maintained equipment: keeping sports equipment and facilities in good condition plays a massive role in preventing injuries. Whether it's a cracked tennis racquet, a gym machine in disrepair or an uneven playing field, poorly maintained equipment can lead to avoidable accidents.
  • Inadequate safety measures: even in contact sports where physicality is expected, adequate safety measures should be in place. From providing proper headgear in rugby to padded mats in gymnastics, supervisors and facility managers must enforce the use of safety equipment.
  • Incompetent officiating: in team sports, referees or umpires are responsible for making sure players follow the rules. Inconsistent or careless officiating can let dangerous play go unchecked, and increase the risk of preventable injuries.
  • Overexertion and ignored limitations: coaches and trainers should be aware of their athletes' physical limits. Pushing someone beyond their capabilities not only jeopardises their immediate health but could also have long-term repercussions.

Sport should be about enjoyment, skill and healthy competition, not about coping with an injury that could've been prevented. At Switalskis, we're here to stand up for those who've suffered due to negligence in sports environments.

What types of sport-related injuries can result in a claim?

There are many different types of sports injuries that vary in their nature, severity and context. Each poses its own set of challenges for recovery, and needs a tailored approach from your legal team. Here are some types of sport-related injuries that commonly lead to compensation claims:

Sprains and strains

These are often the result of the overstretching or tearing of ligaments and can happen in any sport. While they might seem minor, they can hinder mobility and take time to heal properly. If they are not diagnosed correctly, they can worsen during regular movements.

Fractures and broken bones

A collision between players or an awkward fall can lead to fractures. These injuries are painful, need immediate medical attention and can have long-lasting impacts on your ability to play and perform daily activities.

Dislocations

Shoulders, knees and other joints can be dislocated during physical activities. These are not only painful but may also demand surgery and long-lasting rehabilitation to properly recover.

Concussions

Common in contact sports like rugby or football, can have serious long-term effects. Immediate medical attention is vital, and symptoms can persist for an extended period. They can also go undetected if you aren’t assessed by a doctor, which can lead to further problems.

Torn ligaments and tendons

Injuries like are common in sports that involve quick pivots or stops, such as basketball or football. These may need surgery and extensive physiotherapy before you can return to playing.

Spinal Injuries

Sports like diving, rugby and horseback riding carry the risk of spinal injuries, which can be life-altering and need ongoing medical treatment.

Overuse Injuries

Sports that involve repetitive motion, like tennis or golf, can lead to overuse injuries, affecting muscles, ligaments and tendons. These injuries might need long periods of rest and physical therapy.

This is not a comprehensive list of the types of injuries you might sustain when participating in sports activities. If you have been injured, speak to our team today to learn more about your eligibility to claim.

Making a sports injury compensation claim

Our dedicated team of sports injury solicitors is here to simplify the claims process for you. Here's a general guide to how making a sports injury compensation claim typically works:

Step 1: Initial consultation

Your first step should be to contact our personal injury team. We'll discuss the details of your injury and the effect it’s had on your life. From there, we’ll explain whether you can claim and offer advice on what you might expect if you decide to go ahead.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

If you choose to pursue your claim, we’ll start collecting all the evidence that will demonstrate who was liable for your accident and make a case for you to receive compensation. This could include medical records, photographs of the accident scene and testimonies from witnesses.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

When we’re confident that we’ve built the strongest possible case, we'll contact the party we believe is responsible for your injury. This could be a sports facility, equipment manufacturer or another player. This is where we formally notify them about your intention to claim compensation for your injuries.

Step 4: Negotiation

At this stage, the defendant might admit fault, and we can begin discussions about your compensation. If they challenge or dispute the claim, we may need to take the matter to trial, where we’ll have an opportunity to present your case before a judge.

Step 5: Court proceedings (where necessary)

Most personal injury claims are settled without needing to go to court. If legal proceedings are needed, it doesn’t mean you have a lower chance of success. You can count on our expertise to present your case compellingly and defend your rights every step of the way, to make sure you have the best shot at a positive outcome.

Step 6: Settlement and compensation

Once your claim is successful, we'll make sure the responsible party fulfils their obligation, compensating you for both the physical and emotional suffering you've experienced.

Throughout this process, we'll keep you informed, making sure you’re ready to confront any decisions that need to be made.

What are the time limits for making a sports injury compensation claim?

Typically, you'll have three years from the date of the incident to bring a claim. However, in some cases, this period may start from the date that symptoms of the injury become clear, or that you realise the injury was caused by your sports accident.

Here are some key exceptions to keep in mind:

  • Children: if the sports injury happens before the child turns 18, a parent or guardian can make a claim on their behalf at any time. Once they reach 18, they have until they turn 21 to initiate their own claim.
  • Mental capacity: if you're claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to do so for themselves, the usual three-year limitation might not apply.

While three years may seem like a long time, speed is of the essence. Eyewitness accounts and other types of evidence are much easier to collect in the immediate aftermath of a claim. The sooner we can begin working on your case, the stronger your claim is likely to be, and we can make sure you’re not at risk of missing any deadlines that apply.

What will sports injury compensation cover? How much compensation can I claim?

Compensation for personal injuries typically falls into two primary categories:

  • General damages: these compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress you've suffered due to your injury. You can receive compensation for everything from minor sprains to severe fractures and long-term conditions, although the amount will vary according to the severity of your injury. The impact of your injury on your life can also affect the level of compensation you’ll receive.
  • Special damages: this part of your compensation addresses the financial impact of your injury, covering a range of costs like medical bills, physiotherapy sessions and any specialised equipment you might have needed to buy to accommodate your injury. It can also include lost earnings if you've had to take time off work to recover, or if your ability to work in the future has been affected.

It’s impossible to estimate how much compensation you could receive without a detailed examination of the evidence, as there are many factors that can affect the total. The best thing to do is to get in touch with us as soon as possible to start the process. We're here to help you every step of the way.

How are sports injury compensation claims funded?

We manage the majority of our personal injury claims on a no win, no fee basis. Simply put, you won't have to pay our legal fees unless we win your case. If we do secure your compensation, a previously agreed percentage of that award will go towards covering your legal costs.

It's understandable to worry about the financial aspects of taking legal action, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of an injury. You might qualify for extra financial support, such as Legal Aid or legal expenses insurance cover, that can make the process more manageable for you. We’ll discuss this with you in your initial consultation and address any funding options and concerns before we move forward with your claim.

What to remember when making a sports injury claim

If you've suffered a sports injury, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure how to react. However, there are some steps you can take directly after the incident that can benefit your compensation claim later down the line, if you’re physically able to do so:

  • Get medical treatment: as well as being important for your health, a diagnosis and a record of any treatments you've received are essential evidence in any personal injury claim. The opinion of a medical professional is difficult to dispute, and will help to prove the relationship between your injuries and the negligence that caused your accident.
  • Report the injury: whether it happened during a professional match, at a gym or in any other sporting context, it's vital to inform the relevant staff or officials. This action not only creates a record of your injury but can also prevent similar mishaps in the future.
  • Gather evidence: photos, witness accounts and any other evidence can make a world of difference to your claim. Even notes about the conditions in which you were injured and any faulty equipment can help. Try to remember everything you can, and ask teammates who saw the incident if they would consider acting as witnesses on your behalf.
  • Contact us early: the sooner we can start gathering evidence and advising you, the stronger your claim is likely to be. Early legal guidance can steer you in the right direction, helping you avoid pitfalls that could weaken your case.

Making a claim isn't just about securing a financial award; it's about getting the support you need to make a full recovery, both physically and mentally. We're here to guide you every step of the way; you're not just another case file but a valued client deserving of compassion and the best possible outcome.

Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Our sports injury claim specialists

photo of Mark Hollinghurst
Mark HollinghurstDirector and Solicitor
Photo of Maria Dallas
Maria DallasChartered Legal Executive
Katrina ElseySenior Associate Litigation Executive
Photo of Diane Parker
Diane ParkerDirector and Solicitor
Photo of Robert Frost
Robert FrostChartered Legal Executive
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Why Switalskis?

If you've suffered a sports-related injury, the path to recovery can feel like an uphill battle. That's where we come in. At Switalskis, we offer expert, bespoke legal advice with a compassionate, client-focused approach.

Clarity in complexity

Personal injury claims can be complicated, surrounded by specific rules, legal guidelines and confusing language. With our help, you can cut through the complexity and easily understand the process and what you need to do.

Empathy at every step

We understand that each sports injury is unique. We're not just here to process your claim; we're here to listen, understand your concerns and tailor our advice to suit your specific needs. Each client is an individual and your wellbeing is our priority, and we'll stay on your side during this difficult time.

Expertise you can trust

Dealing with sports injury claims needs a specific set of skills and experience. Our proven track record in managing a variety of personal injury claims guarantees you'll receive expert guidance you can trust and have the best chance of success.

Championing your rights

Our primary goal is to make sure you're fairly compensated and supported throughout your recovery process. We'll be your advocates at every step, making sure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld. When you choose Switalskis, you're choosing a team committed to turning a challenging situation into a pathway toward compensation and healing.

What are the types of personal injury claims?

Personal injury claims come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own set of rules, challenges and considerations. At Switalskis, we've got the expertise to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of personal injury claims we can help you with:

Find out how Switalskis can help you

For advice on how to make a personal injury claim for a sports injury, or to get yours started today, simply call us on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch with us through our website.

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