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 to your day-to-day life, your work and your relationships.

If your injury was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that could address the physical, emotional and financial costs. At Switalskis, we know what's at stake in these cases. If you took time off work to recover, paid for lifestyle adjustments to accommodate your injury, or were left with anxiety about your future and your general health that affected your mental wellbeing, compensation can help.

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, whether from a rugby scrum, a negligent gym instructor or poorly maintained sports facilities. We can help you to understand your legal options in response to the incident and help you move forward.

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.

What Switalskis offers during your claim

person walking dog across yorkshire fields at sunset

How Switalskis can help

When you contact us, our first step will be to talk through the full picture of what happened to you and how it affected your life. This means we can assess the viability of a sports injury compensation claim and outline what the process will entail. This helps us tailor our advice to your unique circumstances, strengthen your claim and make the process easier for you.

A personal injury claim can seem daunting at first, but you're not alone. We’ll work closely with you, break down each step into simple terms and work to move your case forward so you can spend more time focusing on your recovery.

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 quickly return to the sport you love where possible.

Our sports injury claim specialists

Mark HollinghurstManaging Director of Personal Injury
Photo of Maria Dallas
Maria DallasAssociate Chartered Legal Executive
Katrina ElseySenior Associate Personal Injury Manager
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Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

Our personal injury team accreditations

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. Some of the most common causes of injuries sustained in sporting events include:

  • Insufficient training or supervision: the staff or instructors at a gym, football club or swimming pool 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 liable.
  • Faulty or poorly maintained equipment: keeping equipment and facilities in good condition is necessary to prevent injuries, and inadequate maintenance or faulty sports equipment can lead to avoidable accidents.
  • Inadequate safety measures: even in contact sports where physicality is expected, adequate safety measures should be in place. Supervisors and facility managers must enforce the use of safety equipment like headgear in rugby or padded mats in gymnastics.
  • 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.
  • Poor advice by a trainer or coach: coaches and trainers can be found negligent if they fail to provide adequate instructions, proper training or necessary safety equipment, and this results in injury.
  • Overexertion and ignored limitations: coaches and trainers should be aware of their athletes' physical limits, as giving bad advice or pushing someone beyond their capabilities jeopardises their immediate health and could have long-term repercussions.
  • Player conduct: if a player acts recklessly or aggressively, or shows dangerous behaviour, and causes injury to another player, this could be deemed negligent and you may be able to claim compensation.
  • Assault by a spectator: when playing a spectator sport, there is sometimes a risk of injury caused by a spectator for which you can make a sports injury compensation claim.

At Switalskis, our specialist injury lawyers support people who've suffered due to negligence in sports environments, whether in the ways listed above or under other circumstances. Contact us to learn more about whether you can claim.

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

There are many different types of sports injuries, with each posing its own challenges for recovery and demanding a tailored approach from your legal team. Here are some types of sport-related injuries that commonly lead to personal injury compensation claims:

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains are often the result of the overstretching or tearing of ligaments and can happen in any sport. They can hinder mobility, take time to heal properly and may worsen if not diagnosed correctly.

Fractures and broken bones

Fractures and broken bones can occur during collisions between players or awkward falls. These injuries are painful, need immediate medical attention and can have long-lasting impacts on your ability to play and perform daily activities.

Dislocations

Dislocations can affect shoulders, knees and other joints. They are not only painful but may also demand surgery and long-lasting rehabilitation to properly recover.

Concussions

Concussions are common in contact sports like rugby or football. Immediate medical attention is vital, because symptoms can persist for an extended period and may go undetected if you aren’t assessed by a doctor.

Torn ligaments and tendons

Torn ligaments and tendons , such as ACL tears, often arise 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

Spinal injuries sustained in sports like diving, rugby and horseback riding can be life-altering and you may need ongoing medical treatment.

Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries can occur in sports that involve repetitive motion, like tennis or golf. While these are less severe injuries than the other types of traumatic injury listed above, they can affect muscles, ligaments and tendons, and may need long periods of rest and physical therapy.

This is not a comprehensive list 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 will work 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 is 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 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 witness statements.

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 and formally notify them about your intention to claim compensation. This could be a sports facility, equipment manufacturer, insurance company or another player.

Step 4: Negotiation

The defendant will usually admit fault, and we can begin discussions about your compensation amount. If they challenge or dispute the claim, we may take the matter to court and 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. We'll defend your rights at every step of the way and give you the best chance at a positive outcome.

Step 6: Settlement and compensation

Once your claim is successful, you'll receive your compensation either as a lump sum or in instalments.

Throughout this process, we'll keep you informed and make sure you feel confident about any decisions that you need to make.

women entering a gym

Six-figure compensation for athlete after mismanaged ACL injury ends career

How Switalskis support orthopaedic claims

Women’s football has grown at an extraordinary pace in recent years, inspiring a new generation of players and increasing visibility for the sport. But with this growth comes greater scrutiny of player welfare, particularly when it comes to injuries. Read more from our mismanagement of treatment claims team.

At Switalskis, we see the impact of these injuries first-hand. We work with athletes whose careers and futures have been put at risk due to inadequate medical care and mismanagement.

Read more here.

How much compensation can I claim for a sports accident?

Compensation for personal injuries typically falls into two primary categories:

  • General damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress you've suffered due to your injury. The amount depends on the severity of the injuries sustained and the impact on your life, which means you'll receive less for minor sprains than severe fractures and long-term conditions.
  • Special damages address the financial impact of your injury. It covers costs like medical bills, physiotherapy sessions and any specialised equipment you need 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 your case. Get in touch with Switalskis as soon as possible to start the process and learn how much compensation you could claim. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Are there 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. In some cases, this period may start from the date that symptoms of the injury become clear, or that you realised the injury was caused by your sports accident.

There are also key exceptions:

  • Children: if the sports injury happens before a 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 claim.
  • Mental capacity: if you're claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to do so for themselves, the relevant time limits might not apply.

While three years may seem like a long time, it's important to act quickly. Eyewitness accounts and other types of evidence are much easier to collect in the immediate aftermath of a claim and the sooner we can begin working on your case, the stronger your claim will be.

What steps should you take after an injury during a sporting activity?

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.

  • Seek medical treatment: a diagnosis of your injuries can help you receive the treatment you need, and create a medical record that can help to prove the relationship between your injuries and the negligence that caused your accident. We may also commission medical reports from independent experts.
  • 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 or any other witnesses for their contact details.
  • Keep financial records: receipts, payslips and invoices for costs related to the injury can enable you to claim for lost earnings or medical expenses.
  • Contact us early: the sooner we can start gathering evidence and advising you, the stronger your claim is likely to be.

Making a claim can give you the support you need to make a full recovery, both physically and mentally. We're here to guide you every step of the way, and deliver compensation for an injury that was someone else's fault.

How are sports injury compensation claims funded?

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. Switalskis manages the majority of personal injury claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means that you won't have to pay our legal fees unless we win your case, so you can pursue a claim without financial risk.

You might be able to access extra financial support, such as legal expenses insurance cover. We’ll discuss this with you in your initial consultation and address any funding options and concerns before we move forward with your claim.

Frequently asked questions

Sports injury claims

What types of sporting injury can Switalskis help me to claim for?

There are many types of injury that can result from a sporting accident, and every sport poses different risks. At Switalskis, our expert solicitors have a wealth of experience in all of the following types of claims:

Every type of claim is different, and you should work with a personal injury solicitor who understands the nuances of each sport, the types of negligence that can occur, and the rights of anyone who is injured to claim compensation.

Can I make a claim if the injury occurred during a recreational activity?

Many people assume that taking part in recreational sports means accepting all risks, but this is not always the case. If an injury was caused by unsafe conditions, poorly maintained equipment, inadequate supervision or another participant acting recklessly, you could be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal advice can help you determine whether negligence was involved and whether a claim is likely to succeed.

Will I have to go to court?

Most sports injury claims are resolved through negotiation without going through court. If the person or sports centre involved accepts liability and a fair settlement can be reached, the process can be completed without the need for a hearing. However, if the responsible party disputes the claim or the compensation offered is insufficient, court proceedings may be necessary.

If your case goes to court, Switalskis will handle all legal preparations, gather supporting evidence and represent you throughout the process. Even in these situations, many cases are settled before reaching trial. The aim is always to secure the best outcome with minimal stress, and we will take on the vast majority of the work so you can focus on your recovery.

What does 'no win, no fee' mean?

A 'no win, no fee' agreement, also known as a conditional fee agreement, allows you to make a claim without paying upfront legal costs. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay legal fees, which means there is no financial risk for you to seek compensation. If your claim is successful, your solicitor's fees will be paid from the compensation awarded.

Can I change solicitors for my sports injury claim?

If you're not happy with your current solicitor, you have the right to switch to Switalskis. Changing solicitors is more common than you might think, and we make the process straightforward. If you feel your case isn’t being handled properly, communication is lacking or you’re not getting the support you need, we can step in.

We’ll review your case, explain your options and handle the transition to make sure there’s no disruption to your claim.

What you need to know

Legal Resources

Accidents caused by defective gym equipment

The gym is a sanctuary for many, a place to enhance health and fitness. However, defective equipment can turn this haven into a hazard zone, leading to severe accidents and injuries. Understanding the risks associated with faulty gym equipment can help both gym-goers and facility managers take the necessary steps to ensure a safe workout environment.

Understanding concussion in equestrian sports: a guide for riders

Equestrian sports, while exhilarating and rewarding, carry inherent risks, with head injuries being among the most serious. Concussions, in particular, can have long-lasting effects on a rider’s health and wellbeing. Understanding the signs of concussion and the associated risks is crucial for all horse riders.

What is CTE and how is it affecting rugby players?

Last week the news emerged that eight former professional Rugby Union players have been diagnosed with early onset dementia and will be pursuing rugby authorities for compensation on the grounds of negligence. The dementia is believed to have been caused by CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) – a progressive, fatal illness caused by repeated trauma to the brain. Currently, CTE can only be confirmed by a post-mortem which makes it even harder to identify and work with this condition.

Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury After an Accident

When someone you love has been in an accident, the most obvious injuries such as cuts, bruises, and broken bones are the ones that get immediate attention. Yet brain injuries can hide in plain sight. A sudden blow or jolt to the head may disturb normal brain function, and the warning signs often develop slowly.

Claiming on behalf of someone who has died

In some cases, you can make a compensation claim on behalf of a loved one who died from or injuries that were caused by an accident. Even with legal and emotional support from Switalskis, these situations can be difficult. Our experts have put together this bereavement guide to help you cope during your period of grief.

Switching to Switalskis from your current solicitor

If you’ve started the process of making a personal injury claim and are unhappy with your solicitor, the good news is that it’s easy to switch. Switalskis will handle the process on your behalf, and pick up your claim where it left off. Find out more about how we can help in our guide to switching solicitors.

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.

Why Switalskis?

If you've suffered a sports-related injury, the path to recovery can feel daunting. That's where we come in. At Switalskis, we offer 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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