Proving Liability For A Hockey Injury
Most individuals who play hockey understand that there are some inherent risks associated with taking the ice for each game. The slippery surface of the ice combined with fast-moving sticks and sharp skates can result in the sustaining of an injury. While many hockey injuries can simply be ruled accidental, some could be more nefarious in nature.
If you think that your hockey injury came as a result of another player's intentional actions, you could be eligible to file a personal injury case to help receive financial compensation for your injuries. Here are two things you can do to help prove liability for your hockey injury when you feel another player is at fault.
1. Gather witness statements.
In order for your injury to be eligible for compensation in a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove that the actions taken by another player leading up to your injury were intentional.
If a player accidentally makes contact with you during the course of a game, any resulting injuries could be ruled unintentional. On the other hand, if a player takes more than three strides before gliding as he or she makes contact with you, the resulting hit is considered to be an intentional charge.
Any injuries you sustain as a result of an intentional hit from another player fall under tort law, and having witness statements from spectators, referees, and fellow players proving the hit causing your injuries was intentional could help your personal injury case.
2. Gather video evidence.
If the hit that resulted in your injury was captured on film, you will be able to use the video footage as evidence during your personal injury case. Witness statements can be beneficial in helping to establish liability for an injury, but video footage allows the hit to be analyzed in slow motion.
Experts estimate that some NHL players can move across the ice at speeds in excess of 20 mph. Since hockey is such a fast-moving sport, it can be challenging for witnesses to accurately remember what they saw in the few seconds it takes for an injury-causing hit to occur.
Asking fans, rink personnel, or media professionals to share any video footage they have where your injury-causing hit may have been recorded will help you accurately prove liability in a court of law.
If you have been injured during a hockey game and you feel that your injuries were caused by an intentional hit, be sure that you work with your attorney to gather witness statements and video evidence to help you prove liability in court.
Find more information by speaking with local attorneys or searching online.
