What are the common defenses raised in sports injury cases?

Sports injury cases are lawsuits brought by an injured athlete against a person, company, or organization associated with the sport. Sports injury cases are based on the legal theory of negligence, which is where an injury is caused by someone’s careless or reckless actions. In Washington, there are several common defenses raised in sports injury cases. The first defense is primary assumption of risk, which is when an athlete voluntarily participates in risky sports activities, knowing that there may be an inherent risk of injury. This defense will usually be successful when a person assumes the risks of their sport, such as the possibility of a hard hit in football. The second defense is contributory negligence, which is when an injured athlete has contributed to their own injury in some way. This defense can be successful if the injured athlete was not following safety instructions, engaged in dangerous behavior, or disregarded warnings of an impending risk. Third, there is the defense of comparative negligence, which is when both the injured athlete and the defendant contributed to the injury in some way. The court will look at the degree to which each party is at fault and the court can reduce the amount of damages awarded to the injured athlete based on their percentage of fault. Finally, there is the defense of statutory immunity. This defense is when a governing body, such as a school or association, has immunity from being sued for any injury occurring within their jurisdiction. This defense can be successful if the court determines that a defendant was acting within the scope of their official duties. In conclusion, sports injury cases involve complex legal issues and the defenses used in such cases can vary significantly depending on the facts of the case. It is important to consult an experienced attorney who can evaluate the facts of a case and provide the best legal advice.

What are the common defenses raised in sports injury cases?

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