Winter sports are in full swing right now, with the recent heavy snowfalls! But accidents can happen at any time.
Accepting normal risks….
Sports like ice skating or downhill skiing involve certain risks, such as falls that can lead to serious injuries. If you choose to practice such activities, you are considered to have accepted some of the risks involved.
If there’s an accident, such as a fall, you may have to assume responsibility for it and you may not be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. However, the risks you accept must be foreseeable and related to the activity. This is the case if you’re skiing a slope that is well-maintained, but you fell because you weren’t paying attention, for example.
…but not all risks
A sports enthusiast only accepts the risks that are a normal part of the sport in question. For example, if you play hockey, you accept the risk of falling on the ice, but not of being punched by another player.
|
Did you know? Between October 1, 2016 and November 9, 2022, there were over 4,400 skiing-related injuries reported to the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program. This program captures injuries and poisonings that are reported in 20 emergency departments across the country. |