Novum Law recognised in prestigious Chambers & Partners Guide 2024
The team at Novum Law are delighted to be once again recognised as one of the best personal injury law firms in the South West by the leading, independent legal...
There’s always a chance of getting injured in sport. Some sports carry a far greater risk of serious injury, such as: rugby, football, horse riding, skiing, water sports, cycling and motorsports.
Whether you are a top athlete or an enthusiastic amateur — if you or loved one has suffered a serious injury while taking part in a sporting activity or event, which could have been avoided, you may be able to claim compensation.
There are many serious injuries that can occur during sport. Brain and head injury, spinal injury, multiple fractures and other serious injuries can all have profound, long-term effects that turn your life upside down.
Our specialist solicitors are experts in helping people claim maximum compensation for serious sports injuries.
You may have suffered a preventable serious injury due to faulty sports equipment, dangerous ground conditions, poor advice from a coach or trainer, an irresponsible tackle, or a deliberate attack from another player or spectator. We will conduct thorough and appropriate investigations and advise you on whether you can make a claim for compensation.
How Do I Know Who Is Responsible For My Sports Injury?
Our specialist sports injury team will investigate the details of your accident to determine who — if anyone — was responsible for what happened. There’s always an element of risk with sports and sometimes it’s no one’s fault. However, this isn’t always the case and if there is a chance your injury was preventable, you may be able to make a sports injury compensation claim.
We will examine all the details of your accident and advise who was at fault. You may or may not be partially responsible for what happened but someone else (such as a fellow player, coach, referee, groundsman, match official, event organiser, sports ground owner or medical personnel) was also to blame.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your child’s claim is successful, before they reach the age of 18 their compensation will be paid into the court where it will be invested on their behalf until they turn 18. As the child’s parent or legal guardian, it is possible to apply directly to the court to release money to pay for things such as medical treatment or education support which will only be authorised if the court is satisfied that it is necessary. Any amount awarded to your child has to be agreed to in an infant approval hearing, before any amount can be paid out. Your child may need to attend this hearing or you may be able to attend on their behalf, depending upon their age and the severity of their injuries. Click here to read more about infant approval hearings.
If your child has the capacity to make their own decisions, once they reach the age of 18 they will be paid their compensation in full together with any interest that has accrued over time.
If they lack capacity to manage their finances, their funds will be managed by the Court of Protection. The Court of Protection is a legal body dedicated to helping those who lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions. The Court of Protection will appoint a ‘Deputy’ who will manage the compensation that has been awarded to your child, to make sure their finances are properly taken care of and the award lasts for their life time. Parents and family members can be Deputies for their children but often professional Deputies are appointed to provide expert and dedicated support to the individual. So long as the lack of capacity has been caused by the injury suffered, the cost of a professional Deputy can be recovered through the claim itself.
When dealing with such claims we frequently partner with our sister firm Hyphen Law, which specialises in helping to manage the property and financial affairs of those whose lives have been affected by a brain injury or similar impairment and lack the capacity to make their own decisions. They can offer Professional Deputyship services as well as advice on other ways to protect your child’s compensation, such as personal injury trusts. Click here to visit Hyphen Law’s website and learn more or, alternatively, contact us on FREEPHONE 0345 357 9645. One of our team will be able to provide you with more information.
Yes. The general rule is that you have three years from the date of the accident or the date when you realised your accident may have been caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you are claiming on behalf of a child, you can claim at any time until the child turns 18. When the child turns 18, they can bring a claim in their own right but the three year time limit will then apply and they will have until they are 21 to do so.
There are exceptions to this rule. For example, there is no time limit for people who don’t have the mental capacity to make legal decisions and different time limits apply for some injuries or illnesses sustained abroad.
Time can be a critical factor in compensation claims, so it’s important to get in touch with our specialist sports injury team as soon as possible for expert advice.
The compensation you receive depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Severe, life-changing injuries will involve more compensation to cover medical bills, rehabilitation, care and support, adaptations to the home and loss of earnings and pension.
Starting a sports accident compensation claim is straightforward. To begin your claim, contact us on Freephone 0345 357 9645 or online for a free, no obligation chat. Click here to learn more about our team and the high level of expertise in your area of injury.
After an initial consultation phone call, your specialist solicitor will come to visit you in your home – or a location at your convenience – to discuss the details of your claim. This will include information such as how your injuries occurred and the impact that your injuries have on your day-to-day life, so they can understand your needs and advise you on the compensation you may be able to claim.
Our legal expert will also use this as an opportunity to talk you through the process of making a claim and to explain your funding options and any relevant paperwork for making your claim.
From that point on, your solicitor will pursue your claim on your behalf. The next step will be to contact the defendant’s insurers and to start gathering evidence to support your claim, liaising with medical experts and healthcare providers to access your records. Your solicitor will keep you updated as your claim progresses and at every step of the process.
There are no upfront or hidden costs when you make a compensation claim with Novum Law…read more
Most cases are settled without going to court. It is often necessary to issue court proceedings…read more
Yes, if your loved one died and someone else was to blame, you may be able…read more
If you are making a compensation claim and you’re unhappy with the service or advice you are…read more
If you have a question that is not listed above, please visit our FAQs page. Alternatively, please call our specialist team on Freephone 0345 357 9645 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation chat.
