Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend player, suffering an injury during sport can be life-changing. A sports injury claim can be brought by those who have been injured due to the negligence or unsafe practices of others in sporting environments. If you’ve experienced such an incident, Fosters Solicitors’ Personal Injury team can guide you through your legal options.
Sports injury claims are brought when an individual suffers harm in a sports setting due to someone else’s failure to act with reasonable care. Whilst injuries are an inherent risk in many sports, claims typically arise when those injuries are caused by:
Such claims can apply to both amateur and professional settings, including gyms, schools, leisure centres, clubs, and organised events.
Anyone who has suffered a preventable injury while participating in or attending a sporting event may be eligible to bring a sports injury claim. This includes:
Parents or guardians can bring claims on behalf of minors. Employers may also pursue claims for injuries sustained by professional athletes under contract.
Sports injury claims can involve a wide range of injuries. Common examples include:
The severity of the injury, recovery time, and impact on work or lifestyle are all considered when assessing a claim’s value.
To succeed in a sports injury claim, the injured person must usually prove that another party breached their duty of care. This may include:
Some sports naturally involve physical contact and therefore a degree of risk, so the court will assess what level of risk was acceptable in the circumstances.
For further reading, see the HSE’s guidance on health and safety in sport and leisure activities.
Typically in England and Wales, sports injury claims involve:
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to bring a sports injury claim. For children, this deadline is extended – a claim can be brought up to their 21st birthday.
It’s important to act promptly, as delay can affect the quality of the evidence and the success of the claim.
Following a recommendation, Fosters Solicitors were successful in actions for Mike to claim compensation for a mouth injury that occurred during a game of racquetball.
Find out more about this sports injury claim >
Legal experts working in personal injury law recommend the following for anyone considering a sports injury claim:
Legal professionals also stress the importance of selecting solicitors with experience in sports and public liability claims.
If you have been injured while spectating or participating in a sporting or leisure activity, we can advise if you have a case for a claim and will guide you through the necessary process.
For a no-obligation chat with our specialist Personal Injury team and for information about our no win no fee services, please call us on 01603 620508 or complete our online enquiry form.
Benefits:
Challenges:
With expert legal support, many claimants find the process straightforward and worthwhile.
A sports injury claim is the legal process where an injured person seeks compensation due to another party’s negligence in a sporting environment.
Yes, if the injury was caused by reckless or dangerous behaviour beyond the rules of the sport, or if safety procedures were not followed.
You generally have 3 years from the date of the injury. For children, the time limit extends to their 21st birthday.
Yes, spectators injured due to unsafe facilities, crowd control failures, or other hazards can bring claims against organisers or venue operators.
Compensation may cover pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitation, and travel costs.
Yes. Most sports injury claims require proving negligence or a breach of duty of care by an individual, club, or organisation.
Yes, many solicitors offer No Win, No Fee agreements for personal injury claims, including sports injuries.
This article was produced on the 1st October 2025 for information purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as specific legal advice.