What is the “economic loss rule” in sports injury cases?

The economic loss rule (ELR) is a law in North Carolina that restricts the amount of damages a person can recover from a sports injury case. This means that even if someone was negligent and caused an injury, if they can’t prove that the injury caused economic losses (such as medical costs, lost wages, or property damage) beyond the value of the lost benefit of playing the sport, they will not be able to recover any money through a lawsuit. In other words, the ELR limits the plaintiff’s ability to sue for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, even if there was negligence. To put it in simpler terms, the ELR prevents non-economic losses from being included in the lawsuit. The reasoning behind the ELR is to protect manufacturers and suppliers of sports equipment from frivolous lawsuits. The ELR also encourages athletes to take the necessary precautions to avoid or minimize the risks of playing a sport. For athletes who are injured in North Carolina, the ELR could apply to their sports injury case. Generally, to be successful in a sports injury lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that the injury caused economic losses beyond the benefit they received from playing the sport. Ultimately, it can be a difficult burden to meet and it’s important for athletes to understand the ELR in their state.

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What is the “economic loss rule” in sports injury cases?

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