Engaging in athletics comes with certain physical risks. The athletes that participate in contact sports acknowledge and assume these risks. However, when injuries occur outside the bounds of the rules of competition, the injured may have recourse through a personal injury (negligence) lawsuit.
After suffering serious injuries during a wrestling match in January, a San Diego high school student-athlete is suing his opponent and the school district.
The lawsuit claims that the victim suffered severe spinal injuries as a result of illegal and dangerous moves repeated by his opponent throughout the match. The lawsuit claims that the officials and coaches were aware of the dangerous moves, yet failed to end the match in order to protect the safety of the wrestlers. Instead, points were awarded to the now-injured wrestler.
According to the injured wrestler's attorney, the injuries suffered are not crippling, but have ended the wrestler's participation in athletics.
Athletes assume the risk for injuries that occur accidentally during normal and spirited competition. It should be expected that athletes are at greater risk of suffering injuries in contact sports such as wrestling, football or hockey, but these injuries are generally the unanticipated result of clean play.
However, athletes do not assume the risk from intentional acts of violence, acts that violate safety rules, or those that would be considered unsportsmanlike conduct, even in contact sports. Generally, these types of acts will be considered willful or wanton behavior - an intentional or reckless disregard for safety. When injuries are suffered in as a result of these actions, the basis for a negligence lawsuit is formed.
I you or a loved one has been injured as the result of the intentional or reckless actions of another while participating in a sport, speak to an experienced personal injury attorney about seeking compensation for the injuries suffered.
