With high school, college and NFL football seasons in full swing it seems an appropriate time to address sporting activities and the law relative thereto.
As with most instances that could possibly involve liability for injuries, liability for injuries resulting from sporting activities is fact specific and determined on a case-by-case basis. Participation in sporting activities is a voluntary act by the participants and any potential liability is determined based on the actions of all involved, participating athletes included. In this regard, an athlete participating in a sport assumes the ordinary risks attendant to the particular sport. Further, an athlete participating in a sport has an obligation to play with sportsmanlike conduct according to the rules of the game and to refrain from doing anything deemed unforeseeable and which would reveal a wanton or reckless disregard for the safety and wellbeing of the other athletes similarly participating in the sporting activity.
On the other hand, coaches also have potential liability based upon his/her responsibilities as a coach. In this regard, a coach is obligated to exercise the specific responsibilities as a coach in such a manner so as to protect those participants under his/her control from foreseeable harm. Notably, a coach does not ensure the safety of the participants in all circumstances. It is in this context of a coach’s potential liability that the courts have held that while a duty exists, the scope of such a broadly stated duty is necessarily fact specific and to be determined in light of the respective relationships and circumstances of the parties.
Good luck to all Acadiana high schools, ULL, LSU, and the New Orleans Saints!
For many decades I have carried on the family tradition of restoring lives throughout the local communities and throughout the state of Louisiana. At Simon Law Offices, I have proudly embraced this tradition and strive every day to continue the legacy. Simon Law Offices, Cajun Strong and restoring lives throughout Louisiana one client at a time. If you have been injured, call our office today!
