What if I Get Hurt at A Professional Sporting Event
WHAT IF I GET HURT AT A PROFESSIONAL SPORTING EVENT
If someone else's negligence led to you facing an uncertain future you may have many questions and concerns. At Gluckstein Lawyers, we are committed to making life better for people who have suffered through no fault of their own.
Watching Sports May Be Good for You but Beware.
Although we may not realize the psychological benefits of attending a live sporting event, watching your favourite team in person can be good for you. In fact, according to CTV News, a 2023 study suggests going to a ball game may help increase life satisfaction.
Having tickets to a professional sporting event can be exciting but there are also risks involved, no matter how small. Thousands of people across North America suffer from some sort of injury at a game, although most are minor. However, serious injury and death has occurred.
You Assume Risk When Attending a Game.
Over the years, sports organizations have taken steps to protect fans from harm.
Teams will also post signs, discouraging distractions, such as cellphone use, while teams are playing.
Of course, signs, higher glass and safety netting is not a 100 per cent guarantee of protection against flying pucks or baseballs. Accidents can still happen.
The Assumption of Risk.
When you purchase a ticket to a sporting event you agree to certain terms and conditions in exchange for the right to attend. Tickets typically include fine print that basically says you will not hold the organization liable for injuries or damage that may occur while you attend the event.
It is not an unreasonable request if the event organizers have taken steps to ensure spectators are safe. You have a duty to protect yourself, which means not doing something reckless that could lead to harm or endanger you or someone else.
However, the assumption of risk does not excuse a sport's organization from liability if there was evidence that they did not exercise reasonable care in keeping the premises safe. If the safeguards meant to protect spectators are shoddy and someone is hurt, they may be entitled to seek compensation for their injuries.
Under Ontario's Occupiers' Liability Act, those controlling a property must do what is reasonable to ensure that all visitors are safe. The Act applies to any occupier of a property, including those who own sports stadiums.
It is important to note that the legislation mandates that the duty of care is reasonableness but not perfection. The standard of care is based on foreseeable risk.
To make a successful personal injury claim, you must establish that your injury was caused by the occupier's failure to take reasonable care to ensure that conditions while the person was on the property, were satisfactory.
The law is complex and every case is different. An injury at a sporting event could result from the negligent or intentional conduct of another person or entity, unsafe property or defective products. That is why you should seek legal advice to determine your next step.
You typically have two years in Ontario to file a lawsuit for a personal injury claim so it is in your best interest to contact a toronto personal injury lawyer early to ensure that proper steps are taken and that deadlines are not missed.
