If you play rugby you will no doubt agree with the widely held view that it is probably the toughest sport in the world. Rugby is a fast-moving and high-intensity team sport and as many as one in four players will be injured each season. Being injured during a game of rugby does not automatically mean you are entitled or eligible to claim compensation. Even when everyone is playing within the rules of the game, there is a certain level of risk involved in any sport and compensation is not payable in these circumstances. However, what about when a player behaves recklessly or an official fails to protect players?
When can you claim for a rugby injury?
Rugby is an incredibly physical contact sport and as such the Rugby Football League (RFU) has in place specific regulations to ensure, as far as possible, the safety of players on the field. By the very nature of the game, there is plenty of tackling, rucking and mauling of opponents but the RFU states ‘a player must not wilfully or maliciously inflict injury on an opponent.’ These guidelines are key when it comes to considering a personal injury claim.
Who is responsible, Club or player?
When you are playing on a professional level, for a club, the club itself may be liable for the negligent act of the player who has caused the injury. Players at a professional level will be classed as employees and as such playing for the club in the course of their employment. The Club should have an insurance policy in place and this insurance company will handle the claim. Amateur clubs are unlikely to be to be liable for the conduct of their players, who are not employees, in the same way as professional clubs and therefore making a claim in these circumstances would be different and perhaps more difficult. The claim would need to go against the player direct and if the Police have been involved in what may be a criminal act, there may be the option of pursing a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Please click here to find out more about the CICA.
What can Russell Worth do for you?
We are a specialist, Claimant only, personal injury firm. We are an established and well respected firm – check out our Testimonials page – which has been in the business since 1997. We have a wealth of experience when it comes to handling sports injury claims and would love to hear from you if you need our help. We not only deal with compensation for your injury but will send you to meet with a medical expert and where possible will arrange for you to receive treatment for your injuries. We can also claim loss of earnings if you have required time off work, travel fees, medical costs etc. We operate on a No Win No Fee basis so even if you are not successful, you do not have to pay legal costs. We would encourage you to give us a call today to discuss what we can do for you. We can start work on your behalf immediately!
Free Claim Assessment
If you have been injured and would like a free Claim Assessment so that you can discover your rights, please call us now on 0800 028 2060 or complete our Online Claim Assessment.
