Outdoor Sports & Recreation Accidents

The natural beauty of the Yukon provides people with many different opportunities for outdoor sports and recreation experiences.  The type of activity can differ depending on if it is during the summer or winter, but as there is an almost never-ending number of outdoor activities there are to do in nature, there is a similar number of ways you can get injured.  

If you do get injured and it is due to someone else’s negligence, then you may be entitled to compensation.

Common Types of Outdoor Sports & Recreation Accidents

Boating accidents can be particularly dangerous simply due to the proximity of water.  Some of the most common types of outdoor sports & recreation that result in accidents are:

  • Hunting accidents
  • Survival tour accidents
  • Fishing accidents
  • Hiking accidents
  • Northern lights tour accidents
  • Camping accidents
  • Mountaineering accidents
  • Animal attack accidents
  • Dirt biking accidents
  • Small aircraft accidents
  • Dog sled accidents
  • Backcountry skiing accidents
  • Swimming accidents
  • Adventure tour company accidents

Due to the varied nature of outdoor sports & recreation accidents, there many injuries that can result from them.  Some of the most common injuries resulting from outdoor sports & recreation accidents are: 

  • Concussions 
  • Fractures
  • Soft tissue injuries 
  • Psychological injuries
  • Amputations 
  • Heat Stroke
  • Hypothermia
  • Lacerations
  • Burns
  • Exposure related trauma
  • Drownings
  • Loss of life

Outdoor Sports & Recreation Accidents & Insurance

Most people wouldn’t think that there is insurance available for claims involving Outdoor Sports & Recreation Accidents, but you would be surprised.  Most homeowner or renters’ insurance policies have umbrella provisions that will pay out insurance monies to cover third party negligence claims.

If the accident is caused by the negligence of someone who is in the business or renting outdoor sports or recreation equipment or in the business of leading outdoor sports or recreation events their business insurance can also respond to personal injury claims.

Outdoor Sports & Recreation Accidents & Waivers

Some charter groups and outdoor adventure companies have waivers that participants sign before they begin their activity.  Waivers can be a complete defence against negligence, however this is not always the case.  Most people don’t rely on lawyers to draft their waivers and a poorly worded waiver may not be worth the paper it is written on.

Another consideration is whether or not the waiver can be binding on minors.  Minors are not able to enter into contracts and guardians are not allowed to contract away the rights of minors.  As such, almost all waivers entered into relating to minors are of no effect.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can examine the waiver in your claim and see if there is a way around it to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Outdoor Sports & Recreation Accidents & Compensation

 If you have been injured in an outdoor sports & recreation accident you can seek compensation from the person/company whose negligence caused the accident.  Compensation can include damages for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Out of pocket expenses
  • Loss of income
  • Loss of capacity to earn income
  • Loss of home keeping capacity
  • Health care costs
  • Cost of future care

There are strict timelines for when you have to start a lawsuit for outdoor sports & recreation accident accidents.  If you or a loved one have been injured contact the lawyers at Taylor & Blair LLP today for a free consultation.