If you have been injured whilst watching or playing sport you may be able to make a compensation claim.

Obviously playing any sport carries with it a level of risk, it is unlikley you would succeed with a compensation claim for an injury that is deemed “part of the game”, however an injury caused through something that is not a normal part of play may well be grounds for making a compensation claim for personal injury.

Some examples of injuries caused outside of normal play are:

  • Defects on a pitch, court or sporting equipment – torn astroturf for example
  • Incorrect directions or instructions from a teacher, coach, instructor or trainer
  • Dangerous, reckless or violent conduct by other players
  • Unsafe or poorly maintained equipment and facilities
  • Referee or umpire failing to make sure risks are prevented
  • Unsatisfactory supervision or training where it would normally be required – not providing an induction session at a gym for example

    • Some common sports injury claims are:

  • Team sports – Football, Cricket, Ice Hockey, Rugby, Polo, Shinty
  • Watersports – Swimming, Boating, Surfing, Wind Surfing, Kayaks & Canoes
  • Athletics – Track or Field
  • Motivation and team building exercises – Paintball, Motor Sports
  • Outdoor pursuits – Climbing, Pony & Horse Riding, Cycling & Bike Riding
  • Winter sports – Ice Skating, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Sledging
  • Martial Arts – Karate, Kick Boxing, Judo, Kung Fu
  • Fitness clubs and Gyms – Treadmills & Running Machines, Weight Machines
  • Physical Education at school – Accidents during school PE lessons
  • Military Physical Training – Armed forces accidents, Assualt Courses, PT

    • As well as people who are playing sport, there is also the danger of being injured whilst watching a sport.

    A spectator should be able to watch a sporting event as safely as possible. The organisers of the sporting event have a duty to ensure spectators are kept as safe as possible and the venue meets health and safety requirements.

    Sports spectator claims range from people hurt after being hit by sports equipment (such as an ice hockey puck or cricket ball) to injuries caused in large crowds due to poor steward supervision and accidents at motor sports events.

    Anyone suffering a sports injury either as a player or a spectator should seek legal advice as soon after the accident as possible to find out about making a personal injury claim.

    A specialist Solicitor with experience and knowledge of sports claims will give advice on the next steps and may also help speed up recovery by organising treatment for the injuries, this may be with a physiotherapist or other private medical expert.

    Pinto Potts Solicitors have experienced legal experts with considerable knowledge of sports injury claims, they offer free initial legal advice, either by phone, e-mail or in person.

    In addition, there are no fees to pay, all legal fees are met by the responsible parties insurance company, this means 100% compensation with no deductions.

    For immediate, free, confidential advice about making a claim call 0800 316 4434 or complete the online claim form.