Has your child suffered injury while participating in a school-sanctioned sports activity including practice sessions and games? Schools are rarely held liable, simply because the injuries aren’t serious.
In fact, many claims against schools, coaches and teachers for sports injuries lack merit or are just plain frivolous. However, you may have a case if your son or daughter sustains an injury that involves:
- Permanent loss of a bodily function
- Permanent disfigurement or dismemberment
- Medical treatment expenses in excess of $3,600
Can a coach be held liable?
If you believe your son’s or daughter’s injury was caused by a negligent coach, your first move should be to contact a skilled lawyer. He or she can explain to you that in order to file a successful claim, you must be able to prove that the coach acted negligently by showing:
- Your child was owed a duty of care from the coach
- The coach breached that duty of care
- As a result of the coaches action or inaction your child was injured
A common example is a football coach who, knowing the temperature outside to be above 90 degrees, fails to provide adequate water for the players. If one of the players suffers injury or death because of dehydration, the coach can be held accountable since his or her behavior was reckless. If your child suffers injury at the hands of a teacher, coach or other education professional, an attorney can help you file a claim for compensation.
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