Engaging in regular athletic activity is a great way to stay in shape and socialize with others. However, as valuable as athletic endeavors can be, many people suffer costly sports injuries each year. While some of these injuries are purely accidental, many are caused by the carelessness of others. If your injuries have cost you both physically and financially, consider reaching out to an experienced injury lawyer to discuss your situation.
The attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO fight for Washington D.C. injury victims when they have been hurt by another person or organization’s carelessness. Our lawyers fully understand the far-reaching impact that an injury can have on your personal and professional life. If your injuries have cost you, we are ready to evaluate your situation and help you recover the necessary compensation. To learn how we can help you today, call us at (301) 220-0050.
Do I Need an Athletic Injury Lawyer?
When you or someone you love has been hurt, it may be your natural inclination to move on before considering your legal options. Since all athletic activities involve potential risks, it can be challenging to understand when another person or group bears responsibility for an injury. In many cases, reaching out to a lawyer to discuss your situation is the best way to understand who is liable for your athletic injury.
While you certainly have the option to file an injury claim without the help of a lawyer, seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney often aids in the smooth progression of the legal process. Athletic injury claims commonly involve multiple parties, which can include coaches, gyms, athletic organizations, and equipment manufacturers.
Not only will your injury lawyer establish all sources of compensation, but they will investigate your specific claim and evaluate any relevant materials like waivers, medical expenses, and witness statements to both understand the real value of your claim and establish the best legal course of action.
Why Hire CHASENBOSCOLO to Handle My Case?
Throughout the years, the injury attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO have built our practice on being of service to injury victims and their families. We understand that the consequences of an athletic injury impact all areas of your life, including your finances, ability to work, ability to be social, and your physical capabilities.
The financial burden of an injury is often overwhelming, which leads many people to believe that they can’t afford a high-quality, well-resourced lawyer. Fortunately, the injury lawyers at CHASENBOSCOLO work on a contingency basis, which means that you do not pay us up front. Even then, we only receive payment if we can secure a favorable legal outcome for you.
We have won over 750 million dollars for clients that we have fought for. We truly understand the stress that an injury can put on all aspects of your life, which is why we fight for the maximum amount of compensation possible. Though we are proud of the outcomes that we obtain, we take the most pride in helping Washington D.C. families successfully navigate complicated situations. Because we have helped many families in the past, we are confident we can help you, too.
Athletic Injury Cases We Handle
According to the Centers for Disease Control, sports and recreation injuries are responsible for about 3.2 million emergency room visits annually for victims between the ages of 5 and 14. Though athletic endeavors can be a positive way to stay fit and social, many people suffer from physical injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured because of the carelessness, recklessness, or negligence of another person or organization, you have the right to take legal action.
Commonly reported athletic injuries include:
- Internal Organ Damage
- Growth Plate Injuries
- Heat Stroke
- Sprains
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Lacerations
- Nerve Damage
- Muscle Tears and Strains
- Fractures
- Neck Injuries
- Concussions
- Head Trauma
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
- Paralysis
Establishing liability in sports injury cases can be particularly complicated, but it is a crucial step in pursuing compensation. Since numerous parties may play a role in the occurrence of an injury, a lawyer can help untangle the threads to determine which people or organizations should be held responsible. To determine liability, the following factors may be considered by your injury lawyer:
Assumed Risk – It’s no secret that choosing to engage in athletic activity involves inherent risk. Injuries often happen by accident. A random, improper motion can put undue strain on your body and lead to an injury. In many cases, these specific incidences are honest mistakes. For this reason, pinning the blame on any entity is not applicable.
Unreasonable Behavior – While there is an assumption of risk involved in any athletic endeavor, if another person displays irrational behavior such as aggression or recklessness, they may ultimately be found responsible for causing the injury.
Negligence – When an entity is negligent and fails to provide proper safety equipment, a reasonably safe environment, or adequate supervision, they could be held responsible for facilitating the occurrence of an injury. Since each situation is unique, there may be one or various negligent parties responsible for creating the conditions that lead to an injury.
Waivers – When joining a gym, registering with a sports organization, or signing your child up for a league, you will likely be asked to sign a waiver. These waivers are meant to absolve the organization of any responsibility should an injury occur. Many people believe that, in the event of an injury, this waiver prevents them from exploring their legal options. While some waivers may prevent you from taking action, there are exceptions, especially when minors are concerned. If you suspect another person is responsible for your injury, you should reach out to a lawyer, whether you’ve signed a waiver.
Defective Equipment – If a gym fails to provide safe materials, they may be responsible for any injuries caused by unsafe equipment. Additionally, manufacturers and third-parties that transport sports equipment could be held legally accountable when a defective product causes injury to the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have never needed to hire a lawyer, the prospect of taking legal action can be daunting. At CHASENBOSCOLO, we are committed to making the legal process as simple as possible for you. If you or someone you love is suffering from an athletic injury, we know that you have questions about the next steps. Read over our frequently asked questions and get in touch with us today at (301) 220-0050 for a free consultation.
If I signed a waiver, could I still file an injury claim?
Gyms, sports leagues, and other athletic-affiliated organizations typically require participants to sign a waiver before engaging in any physical activities. Though these waivers are created to absolve the sports organization of some responsibility should injuries occur, there are instances in which they may be held responsible. When determining if certain protections in a waiver can be circumvented, factors such as whether the waiver is compliant with state law and if a minor was injured will be considered. Waivers applying to minors are often subject to scrutiny by courts since minors are not legally competent.
How long do I have to take legal action?
D.C. Code § 12-301 grants injury victims three years to take civil action for their injuries. This window of time is referred to as the statute of limitations. Though three years may seem like a somewhat generous amount of time, it is in your best interest to take action as soon as possible. Reaching out to a lawyer as soon as you are able will benefit the investigative process and bring about a resolution to your injury claim as quickly as possible.
When should I seek medical attention after a sports injury?
If you or someone you love has suffered a severe sports injury, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Having your condition evaluated and treated promptly will improve your chances of recovery. It is also essential to consider that some sports injuries like concussions have delayed symptoms, so if you have been involved in a sports accident but do not display symptoms immediately, it is still wise to seek treatment. If you fail to seek the necessary medical treatment, but later file an injury claim, the involved insurance companies may call into question the severity of your injury since you didn’t visit the doctor.
Contact a Washington D.C. Athletic Injury Lawyer Today
Whether you expect to make a full recovery from your injuries or face lifelong challenges as a result of an athletic injury, if another person is responsible, you should not be responsible for covering your injury-related expenses. The Washington D.C. injury attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO understand how daunting the recovery process is, which is why we stand by you every step of the way and advocate for your rights. To speak with a member of our experienced team about your case, call (301) 220-0050 today.
