Sports, Recreation, and Leisure Injuries

Recreational activities carry some risk, but operators of gyms, parks, sports facilities and adventure attractions must still use reasonable care. When poor supervision, defective equipment or unsafe premises cause an injury, a claim may be possible.

We represent adults and children injured in gyms, youth and school sports, trampoline parks, amusement and water parks, ski areas and zipline courses, and we evaluate whether a waiver actually prevents a claim.

Case Types We Handle

Our Sports, Recreation, and Leisure Injuries practice includes 13 case types. Select one to learn more.

• Gym and Fitness Center InjuriesGym and fitness center injuries involve defective machines, poor maintenance and improper instruction by staff.
• Sports Facility NegligenceSports facility negligence includes unsafe fields, courts and spectator areas.
• Youth Sports InjuriesYouth sports injuries can involve inadequate coaching, supervision, equipment and concussion protocols.
• School Sports NegligenceSchool sports negligence involves failures in supervision, training, equipment and medical response.
• Coaching and Supervision NegligenceCoaching and supervision negligence occurs when coaches push injured athletes, ignore safety rules or fail to supervise.
• Playground InjuriesPlayground injuries involve broken equipment, unsafe surfaces and inadequate supervision at parks and schools.
• Trampoline Park AccidentsTrampoline park accidents involve collisions, falls and improper landings in crowded, poorly supervised facilities.
• Amusement Park AccidentsAmusement park accidents involve ride failures, operator error and unsafe walkways.
• Water Park AccidentsWater park accidents involve slides, wave pools, lifeguard failures and slippery surfaces.
• Skiing and Snowboarding Injury ClaimsSkiing and snowboarding injury claims may involve lift malfunctions, unmarked hazards or reckless skiers, subject to state ski statutes.
• Zipline and Adventure Park AccidentsZipline and adventure park accidents often involve equipment failures, poor inspection and inadequate staff training.
• Recreational Equipment Defect InjuriesRecreational equipment defect injuries involve defective helmets, bikes, exercise machines and sports gear.
• Sports-Related Traumatic Brain InjuriesSports-related traumatic brain injuries include concussions that were not properly diagnosed or managed.

Common Causes of Sports, Recreation, and Leisure Injuries

• Inadequate supervision or instruction
• Defective or poorly maintained equipment
• Unsafe facility conditions
• Ignoring concussion symptoms in youth sports
• Overcrowding and lack of safety rules
• Untrained or understaffed operators

Injuries and Losses We See

• Concussions and brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Fractures and dislocations
• Ligament and joint injuries
• Drowning injuries

Do Waivers Prevent a Claim?

Many facilities require participants to sign a waiver. Whether a waiver is enforceable depends on state law and its wording, and many states do not allow waivers to excuse gross negligence or intentional conduct. Waivers signed on behalf of children are treated differently in different states. We review the document before you assume you have no options.

How We Investigate Sports, Recreation, and Leisure Injuries Claims

Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:

• Facility inspection and maintenance records
• Staff training and supervision policies
• Waivers and participation agreements
• Equipment design and maintenance records

Who May Be Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:

• Facility owners and operators
• Schools, leagues and coaches
• Event organizers
• Equipment manufacturers

What to Do After an Incident

1. Get medical care and report the incident to the owner or manager
2. Photograph the hazard, lighting and surroundings
3. Collect names of witnesses and employees present
4. Keep your shoes, clothing and any damaged items
5. Ask that video footage be preserved
6. Speak with an attorney before giving statements

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Why Acting Early Matters

Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.