Sports Injury Claims Lawyers in Toronto & GTA
Most Canadians love sports and recreation. However, these activities carry an element of risk and can lead to substantial injury and harm. If things go wrong when you are participating in a sport, sadly the effects can be catastrophic. Many thousands of Canadians are injured every year and the recovery can be complex,including seeking reimbursement for your losses.
If your injury is the result of negligence, intentional or careless conduct, inadequate supervision, unexpected aggressive behavior or unsafe facilities, you may be entitled to make an injury claim. Careers can be ruined by sports injuries, resulting in loss of income and earning potential. Some injuries also require ongoing medical treatment, surgery and attendant care.
According to Government of Canada Data Blog, Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in sports. A concussion is type of a minor traumatic brain injury, and usually happens from a hit to the head, neck, face or another part of the body, causing the brain to move inside the skull and become injured. The short- and long-term effects of concussions and other TBIs can be serious — particularly for children and youth.
On average, concussions make up 93% of the sports and recreation-related TBIs among children and youth that are reported to CHIRPP. Ice hockey is the most common sports and recreation-related activity with reported concussions or other TBIs among males aged 5 to 14 years.All-terrain vehicle (ATV) use is also one of the leading causes of moderate to more severe TBIs.
The chart below gives an idea of numbers of hospitalizations due to sports injuries (Statico).
Hospitalizations due to sports injuries 2017-2018
Why Hire A Lawyer?
Establishing negligence of a 3rd party and receiving compensation for injuries suffered can be extremely complex. If you have suffered a significant injury during a sporting or other recreational activity, it is important to see a lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights. In order to be successful, you generally have to prove that the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
Each sport comes with different risks and the courts apply distinct criteria (standards of care) to judge each case on its own merit. If there has been a breach by a negligent party (like your employer or school etc.) in properly carrying out their responsibility (duty of care), resulting in injuries, you may be entitled to make a claim.
Examples of compensation include but are not limited to;
- Physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment
- Medical expenses including cost of medication
- Loss of income and earning potential
- Home care assistance
- Nursing and attendant care
- Equipment aids and housing modifications
- General damages for pain and suffering
The clearest way to find out if you’re entitled to claim compensation and benefits is to take professional legal advice. You may have a claim for compensation if you are a professional or amateur athlete, a university, college or school student or an employee injured in a sporting event organised by work etc.
Some examples of sporting injury claims include:
- Contact sport injuries
- Slips and falls around swimming pools
- Golfing injuries caused by golf balls and carts
- Injuries caused by improper exercises prescribed by personal trainers
- Faulty sports equipment accidents
- Skiing and snowboarding related accidents
- Boat, jet ski and watersports accidents
Sporting facilities, associations, clubs, schools and employers generally have insurance to cover injuries during sporting activities, and it is typically the insurance company which will pay the compensation to cover your injury claim.
If you require legal advice about making a sport injury related claim, then you have come to the right place. Our Toronto sports injury lawyers are skilled in representing the rights of injured folks. No matter the type of sport or injury, Affinity Law can advise you if you are able to make a successful compensation claim for damages. Our initial consults are always free with one of our Toronto personal injury lawyers.
What to do if injured while playing sports?
- Complete medical records including the tests, blood work reports, doctor’s diagnosis along with treatment protocols and long-term prognosis
- Complete Employment information – job duties, responsibilities confirmed by employer, nature of the job, duration of employment
- Impact of the injury on your daily life – supported with evidence of you being unable to perform simple daily tasks necessary for living
Time Limits
Every disability insurance policy has certain time limits in which claims need to be filed. Insurance companies can reject disability claims not filed within specified time limits. Not attending medical appointments or providing medical documentation are other reasons that can result in claim denials.
Which Injuries Qualify for LTD And STD?
Coverage of STD and LTD benefits are majorly dependent on your insurance policy. An employee may be entitled to short-term disability benefits if they are considered to be continuously totally disabled for a specific time period.
Injuries arising as a direct result of motor vehicle accidents (car/bike/boat etc.) and slip and fall cases are generally included under the coverage. The treatment time is different for every disability, based on the intensity of injuries and the time required to get back to normal health.
A long term and short-term disability claim can include several types of injuries causing disability including physical and mental disabilities. Chronic pain, fractures, partial or full body paralysis etc. are types of physical disabilities while examples of mental injuries include (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, phobias, Post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), mood swings, irritability and aggression.
These illnesses and injuries can adversely affect your ability to work temporarily or permanently, giving you a valid reason to file a disability claim.
If you require legal advice about making a sport injury related claim, then you have come to the right place. Our Toronto sports injury lawyers are skilled in representing the rights of injured folks. No matter the type of sport or injury, Affinity Law can advise you if you are able to make a successful compensation claim for damages. Our initial consults are always free with one of our Toronto personal injury lawyers.
What to do if injured while playing sports?
Regardless of the seriousness of your injury, these steps should be taken if you are injured while playing sports:
1) Get medical treatment
If you are not taken to a hospital from the location of the incident, please consult a doctor as soon as possible to get the right diagnosis and treatment for your injuries.
2) Record all the details of the accident
Write down the date, time, location, how the accident happened, and any witness information if possible, etc. If feasible, take photos of the vicinity, any hazards, and your injury.
3) Report the incident
Report your injury to the site management or organization where the incident happened.
4) Keep your records
Retain any receipts/invoices for any expenses you have from the injury, and any related communication from any insurance providers, employers, organizations or schools etc.
5) Seek professional legal advice from Affinity Law
Strict time limits usually apply in making a sports injury claim. If you have suffered a significant injury or loss, you should seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer specialised in this area of injury law. Our Toronto sport injury lawyers will fully explain to you what is involved in making a claim, including the evidence requirements needed (witness statements, medical reports, independent expert reports etc).
Contact Affinity Law
Our team understands the impact of a serious injury on your quality of life and we’re committed to providing a clear, honest assessment of whether you are eligible to make a claim and assist you in the entire process all the way to recovery. Our firm normally works on a No Win No Fee basis. Contact us today for a no obligation free consultation. We’re here to help.
Office: 1 844 786 5291
Email us: info@affinitylawyers.ca
