Sports Injury

Sports Injury Lawyers in Ontario

Serving all cities including Toronto, North York, Barrie, Hamilton, Sudbury and North Bay.

Advocating for injured athletes and their families, because your recovery deserves more than just treatment.

Who We Are

At Oatley Vigmond, we understand that sports injuries can disrupt more than just your game, they can affect your child’s future, your family’s well-being, and your peace of mind. With decades of experience in personal injury law, we specialize in representing athletes of all ages who have suffered injuries due to negligence, unsafe conditions, or inadequate supervision.

Why You Need a Sports Injury Lawyer

Sports injuries are not always part of the game. In Ontario, while participants assume certain risks inherent in sports, they are not expected to tolerate negligence. If your child is injured due to unsafe conditions, inadequate supervision, or equipment failure, you may have grounds for a claim under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act. This law holds property owners and those in control of premises accountable for ensuring safety.

Key considerations include:

  • Parental Rights: Parents or legal guardians can act as litigation guardians to pursue claims on behalf of an injured child, ensuring their best interests are represented in legal proceedings.
  • Occupiers’ Liability: Property owners must maintain safe conditions. Failure to do so, leading to injury, may result in liability under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
  • Statute of Limitations: For minors, the limitation period for filing a claim typically begins when they turn 18, allowing parents time to pursue justice on their behalf.

Our team collaborates with medical experts, safety professionals, and vocational specialists to build a compelling case that demonstrates the severity and impact of your child’s injury, ensuring you receive the full benefits to which you’re entitled.

 Personal Injury Awards

Types of Sports Injury Cases We Handle

We assist clients whose sports injuries stem from various conditions, including:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):

Resulting from falls, collisions, or improper use of equipment.

Spinal Cord Injuries:

Often due to high-impact activities or unsafe playing conditions.

Fractures and Dislocations:

Common in contact sports or due to inadequate safety measures.

Soft Tissue Injuries:

Sprains, strains, and tears from overuse or improper technique.

Psychological Trauma:

Emotional distress following a serious injury, affecting mental health and well-being.

FAQ for Sports Injury Lawyers

What Are The Most Common Injuries in Sports Injury Cases?

Sports injuries can range from minor to life-altering, and the type often depends on the sport, age of the participant, and safety measures in place. In Ontario, common injuries include:

  • Concussions and Brain Injuries: Head trauma is one of the most frequent injuries in hockey, football, and soccer. Ontario’s concussion protocols and return-to-play guidelines are designed to protect athletes, especially children, from long-term damage.
  • Fractures and Dislocations: Broken bones in arms, legs, or collarbones are common in contact sports, gymnastics, or extreme sports, often requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tendon or ligament tears can occur in almost any sport and may lead to chronic pain if not treated properly.

Psychological and Emotional Effects: Athletes may experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD following a serious injury, particularly if it impacts their career or daily activities.

Settlement amounts vary greatly depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, ongoing treatment costs, lost wages, impact on education or career, and quality of life. In Ontario, compensation may also account for special considerations like long-term care, physiotherapy, psychological support, and loss of athletic potential. Children injured in sports may be eligible for additional compensation to address educational or developmental impacts. Our team carefully evaluates all aspects of your claim to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
While not legally required, hiring a lawyer significantly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation. Sports injury claims in Ontario often involve multiple parties, clubs, schools, insurance companies, or facility owners, each potentially sharing liability. A lawyer can gather evidence, document the extent of your injury, and navigate Ontario’s legal framework, including occupiers’ liability rules that hold facility owners accountable for unsafe playing conditions. For children, lawyers also protect parental rights to pursue claims on behalf of minors.
Ontario follows a principle called “contributory negligence,” which means your compensation may be reduced proportionally if you share some responsibility for the accident. However, even if you were partially at fault, such as a misstep on the field or ignoring safety instructions, you may still recover a substantial portion of damages. Our team analyzes every detail, including safety protocols and liability of other parties, to minimize the effect of shared fault and maximize your recovery.

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