Sport and games
Taking part in sports or recreational activities involves certain risks. Usually, these risks are accepted. However, sometimes a situation develops differently than expected and results in injury.
Liability in sport and games
An injury during sport or recreational activities can raise many questions, especially when the consequences are serious. We assist people who have been injured during sport or games in gaining clarity and legal guidance in the Netherlands.
Personal injury in sport and games occurs when someone is injured during a sporting or recreational activity due to the actions of another person. In many cases, participants are considered to accept certain risks that are inherent to the activity. However, this does not automatically mean that liability is excluded in every situation.
If someone ignores the rules of the game, behaves recklessly or clearly exceeds what can reasonably be expected, liability may still arise. Whether this is the case depends on the specific circumstances. You do not have to keep questioning what is reasonable and what is not. During a free consultation, we listen carefully to your story and provide honest and clear advice.
Acceptance of risk has limits
In sport and games, it is generally assumed that participants accept certain risks. However, this does not mean that everything is allowed. If someone acts dangerously, unfairly or clearly outside the rules, liability may still exist. Where that legal boundary lies depends on the situation and requires careful assessment.
The context of the activity matters:
The legal assessment differs from case to case. A competitive match may be judged differently from a recreational activity or training session. Factors such as age, experience and the level of the participants also play a role. This context helps determine what behaviour is considered reasonable and when liability may apply.
Role of organisation and supervision
In some situations, not only the behaviour of participants is relevant, but also that of an organisation, sports club or supervisor. For example, insufficient supervision, inadequate instructions or unsafe conditions may contribute to liability. These responsibilities are also taken into account when assessing the case.
Common consequences of injury during sport and games
The consequences of an injury during sport or recreational activities can vary. These may include fractures, bruises, long term physical complaints or extended rehabilitation. Psychological effects, such as insecurity or fear of returning to sport, may also occur.
There may also be practical and financial consequences, for example due to absence from work, medical costs or limitations in daily life. What starts as a sports incident can therefore have long lasting effects on both work and private life. If this applies to you, it is wise to have your situation assessed.
How can we help
We support you in assessing whether liability may exist in your situation. We examine the nature of the sport or activity, the behaviour of those involved and the circumstances in which the injury occurred.
We guide the process carefully, assess your damages and handle communication with the other party. This keeps the process structured and ensures that you clearly understand your position.
Why choose AVB law
At AVB Law, we work carefully and with personal attention in cases involving injury caused by animals. We understand that legal matters in a foreign country can feel intimidating, and we take the time to explain your rights clearly.
You have direct contact with a lawyer and can rely on clear communication and a personal approach tailored to your situation.
What clients say about us
Our clients can explain it better than we can. In their words, you will read how important it is to feel heard, to receive clarity and to know that someone is standing beside you during a difficult period.
I have been assisted by Ms. Van Beest and her team for the past 9 years. I can only say that they are outstanding professionals. In addition to the legal work, Ms. Van Beest also helped me with many related matters and engaged various parties to support me.
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I see Ms. van Beest and her team as true fighters who don’t let go until everything is handled properly and the best possible result is achieved. I want to say a huge thank you to Team AVB Law, and especially to Babette van Beest, for everything she has done for me. While I hope it won’t be necessary, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to her again if the need arises.
Michel B.
3 months ago
I am extremely satisfied with the guidance from Sam. From the very first moment I felt taken seriously and well supported. Sam helped guide me through the process with great knowledge and dedication, and I am very grateful to her for that.
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Thanks to her commitment and clear communication, everything went smoothly and with excellent results. AVB Law not only met my expectations, but exceeded them!
Saar
4 months ago
The lawyer who assisted me made me feel that I could rely on her full commitment. I was not just a number to her, but a person. During the guidance she never lost sight of the human side of the situation. This meant a great deal to me during this unpleasant and uncertain period.
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AVB Law should definitely keep doing what it’s doing and continue to ensure that clients feel seen as individuals. Thank you so much for your guidance!
Wilma P.
4 months ago
In my opinion, AVB Law’s greatest strength was their communication. Sometimes they only needed a single word to understand what I wanted to say. In addition, I was always kept well informed about the progress of the case.
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All in all, I cannot name any negative aspects of their guidance.
Harrie vd H.
4 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance provided by AVB Law. They communicated clearly and gave good and clear explanations about matters that were unfamiliar to me.
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In addition, they were accessible, so I didn’t hesitate to contact my lawyer if I had any questions. Thanks to her encouraging words, Sanna guided me through the process, even though the case took a long time. I am well prepared for that too.
Suzanne O.
3 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance, support, and help from my lawyers Babette and Raymond. They have a great deal of knowledge and provide clear information. They are skilled negotiators who aim for the best possible outcome. They keep you well informed about everything and are personally involved.
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From start to finish and even beyond, they are committed and offer excellent support.
They have exceeded all expectations and offer outstanding quality. I always felt heard throughout the case, and they are easy to reach and approachable.
A highly professional firm that is there for you both professionally and personally, which is what you want when dealing with personal injury.
Sanne H.
3 months ago
I am extremely grateful for the professional and committed help I received from AVB Law and Babette van Beest during my personal injury case. From the first contact I felt heard, taken seriously, and truly supported.
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Babette works meticulously, communicates clearly, and has an eye for both the legal and human aspects of the process. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly and kept me informed of every step. Thanks to her efforts, my case had a very positive outcome, which gave me a great deal of peace of mind and confidence during a difficult period.
I can wholeheartedly recommend AVB Law to anyone dealing with personal injury. An honest, knowledgeable, and empathetic firm where you are truly in good hands.
Varsana Yogawinkel
4 months ago
AVB Law is a very professional and personally involved party, which we experienced as very pleasant. We are grateful for the excellent assistance from Raymond.
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He worked tirelessly on our behalf, kept us informed throughout the process, always gave honest and sound advice, and he is guaranteed to deliver on all his promises. We therefore wholeheartedly recommend Raymond and AVB Law.
Ferdinand vd B.
3 months ago
During my process (which ultimately lasted 11 years), Raymond always maintained a good balance between staying calm in his approach, expressing justified indignation when needed, and continuing to think strategically.
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I am also grateful to him for telling me, after about three years, that the real extent of the damage would only become more visible in the years to come. He insisted on first reaching an agreement about which examinations would be carried out on me and by whom before we could proceed further.
We were always in contact whenever I needed it. He almost always called me back or let me know something.
Finally, I felt such trust in him that I dared to rely on his wisdom. I felt the same with Babette, and I appreciated her energy and determination to keep moving forward. The points I raised were genuinely taken into account in the further procedure. Because of the excellent guidance I received, I have already recommended AVB Law to two other people.
Looking back: what a process it has been. I am so grateful that they stood by me and represented me as a constant, calm, knowledgeable, and strong presence in the “battle” with the insurance company.
Daan vd W.
4 months ago
Other types of personal injury
Traffic accidents
Accidents in traffic
Dieraansprakelijkheid
Letsel door dieren
Medical malpractice
Inadequate healthcare
FAQ
When can someone be liable for injuries during sports or recreational activities?
Liability only arises when someone behaves clearly careless or dangerously. In sports and recreational situations, there is a higher threshold for liability. Normal accidents during sports or games usually do not lead to liability, because participants are expected to accept a certain level of risk. After all, sports and games often involve actions that may lead to injury.
Is a sports injury always your own responsibility?
No. Although sports involve certain risks, you may still claim compensation if someone acts excessively aggressively, recklessly, or intentionally performs a dangerous action.
When can a trainer, coach, or sports club be liable?
A trainer or sports club may be liable if there was insufficient supervision, incorrect instructions were given, or a safe environment was not ensured. Examples include faulty equipment, lack of proper guidance, or the absence of necessary safety measures.
What if I get injured during training because of another participant?
You may be able to hold someone liable if they clearly acted outside the normal boundaries of the sport. If the injury occurred during a normal game situation, liability usually does not apply.
Are spectators protected differently than participants?
No. Spectators must also take certain sports-related risks into account. Liability usually only arises when someone behaves clearly careless or dangerously.
What if I am injured because of poorly maintained sports equipment?
In that case, the manager of the facility or the sports club may be liable. Examples include broken equipment, slippery floors, or unsafe playing surfaces.
Does contributory negligence play a role in sports injuries?
Yes. If you took a risk yourself or made a wrong move, this may affect the amount of compensation. In some cases, only part of the damage will be compensated.
How does a lawyer assess whether someone is liable?
A lawyer looks at the specific situation, the rules of the game, the role of the people involved, and whether the behaviour falls within what is considered normal for that particular sport or activity. Liability generally only arises if someone clearly exceeded those limits.
What should I do if I get injured during sports or recreational activities?
Seek medical attention, write down what happened, take photos, and collect contact details of witnesses. Afterwards, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Can I claim damages from my sports club or the organiser?
Yes, you can if the club or organiser fails in its duty of care. For example, this may involve insufficient supervision, incorrect instructions, or the use of unsafe equipment.