Rugby Injury Claims

Specialist rugby accident injury lawyers

Rugby is a fantastic sport enjoyed by thousands of us every week. It is, of course, a contact sport, and we accept that rugby injuries are part and parcel of the game. We should not accept that injury, especially serious rugby injury, is caused by the deliberate or reckless acts of other players or the careless actions of those responsible for organising and supervising the game.

Most rugby injury claims are often settled out of court, and having expert medical evidence is crucial to support such claims.

Fighting and gouging are obvious examples of deliberate acts likely to cause injury. However, tackles and other actions that cause injury but may not amount to a claim are below that level. A dangerous tackle may be malicious or calculated at one end of the spectrum, entirely innocent at the other, or in the middle, just part of the acceptable rough and tumble of the game.

For example, a spear tackle, a high tackle, or one involving only the arm or elbow are all potentially very dangerous and illegal ways of engaging with the opponent. Still, a single incident will not necessarily give rise to a successful claim. In this grey area, liability is fact-sensitive, and witness evidence must be obtained early.

In terms of player safety, the referee is in a unique and very important position in a rugby match. His (or her) job includes overseeing the set pieces, and the most dangerous set piece is the scrum. Because of the position of engagement and the forces involved, there is considerable pressure on the neck of the front-row forwards.

If the scrum collapses, the additional force to the neck creates a specific and identified risk of serious injury. For that reason, the referee should police the scrum diligently and effectively.

Case law is developing in this area, and the law offers protection to referees, who are usually amateurs carrying out a difficult job. However, if a referee fails to supervise the scrum properly, especially in games involving young and inexperienced players, they may be liable for injuries.

If the pitch or equipment is unsuitable and dangerous, or the medical treatment or advice given following injury is negligent, the club or other organisation responsible may be liable for damage caused by its failures.

Am I eligible to make a claim?

To be eligible to make a rugby injury claim, you must have suffered an injury caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior. This includes injuries sustained during a match, training session or any other rugby-related activity.

You may be entitled to claim compensation, whether it’s a physical injury like broken bones or a mental injury such as emotional distress. Head injuries, concussions, and other serious injuries are common in rugby and can form the basis of a claim if they result from another party’s actions.

How much compensation can I claim for a rugby injury?

The value of the payout you can receive for a rugby injury can vary significantly. Factors include the severity of your injury, loss of earnings, future losses, the impact on your lifestyle, medical expenses, and any other costs incurred due to the injury. Here are some example compensation ranges for a personal injury claim related to a rugby injury:

• Minor Injuries: Compensation might range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds for sprains, minor fractures, or soft tissue injuries where recovery is quick.

• Moderate Injuries: Injuries that require extensive recovery time but do not result in permanent damage, such as serious ligament damage or broken bones, can be claimed for higher amounts.

• Severe Injuries: For serious injuries leading to chronic conditions, long-term disability, or significant lifestyle changes, the compensation can be substantial, potentially reaching tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

For an estimate tailored to your specific circumstances, speak to one of our personal injury solicitors. They can assess the details of your case and provide a more accurate figure.

What types of rugby injuries can I claim for?

We have helped clients claim compensation for a wide range of rugby injuries including:

• Ankle Injury Claims
• Arm Injury Claims
• Back Injury Claims
• Elbow Injury Claims
• Finger Injury Claims
• Hand Injury Claims
• Head & Brain Injury Claims
• Hip Injury Claims
• Knee Injury Claims
• Leg Injury Claims
• Neck Injury Claims
• Shoulder Injury Claims
• Wrist Injury Claims

In cases of assault, victims can seek compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), even if the perpetrator has not been charged, provided the incident was reported to the police.

Additionally, it can be crucial to obtain guidance from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) regarding the necessary forms for documenting injuries.

Injuries caused by assault at a rugby match

If you have been assaulted during a rugby match, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation. Assaults can lead to severe physical injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries, as well as emotional trauma.

To support your claim, it is crucial to gather evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant documentation that can substantiate the assault and the injuries sustained.

Injuries to children in rugby matches

If your child has been injured during a rugby match, you may be able to claim compensation on their behalf. This applies to injuries sustained in school matches, club matches, or other rugby-related activities.

To make a successful claim, you will need to provide evidence of the injury, such as medical records and witness statements. Ensuring the safety of young players is paramount, and any negligence or reckless behavior leading to injury should be addressed through a compensation claim.

Evidence to support a claim

To support a rugby injury claim, comprehensive evidence is essential. This includes:

• Medical records and reports detailing the injury
• Witness statements and testimony from those who saw the incident
• Photographs and videos of the injury and the scene
• Police reports and incident statements, if applicable
• Insurance documents and policies
• Employment records and statements of lost income
• Medical bills and expenses incurred due to the injury
• Proof of emotional distress, pain, and suffering
• Documentation of financial losses and costs related to the injury

Gathering this evidence will strengthen your claim and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How much does it cost to make a rugby injury claim?

Most personal injury claims are handled on a no-win, no-fee basis. You won’t have to pay any upfront legal fees to start your claim. Instead, your solicitor’s fees will be deducted from the compensation awarded if the case is successful.

Rugby union is known for its high-impact nature, and injuries sustained in this sport can have serious long-term effects, including early-onset dementia.

For head injuries, there is no time limit for making a claim.

Time limits for claiming compensation

There are specific time limits for claiming compensation for a rugby injury. Generally, you have three years from the date of the injury to make a claim. However, there are exceptions:

• If you were under 18 at the time of the injury, you have until your 21st birthday to make a claim.
• If you were mentally incapacitated at the time of the injury, time limits don’t apply until capacity is regained.
• When injuries aren’t immediately obvious, the three-year filing window begins when you discovered—or reasonably should have discovered—both the injury and its link to the sporting event.

It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a rugby injury to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Our knowledgeable claims advisors can help determine if a rugby injury claim is possible and provide guidance on the next steps to take.

Contact us for a free consultation

If you have been injured whilst playing a rugby game, contact our rugby injury solicitors & claims team to find out whether you can make a sports injury claim for the rugby injury. Call 020 7485 8811 or fill in the contact form below.