All posts tagged: civil fault

Court awards $8M to hockey player paralyzed by dangerous hit

A Quebec Superior Court decision that awarded $8 million to a minor league hockey player who was left paralyzed by a dangerous hit from behind sends a strong message that athletes can be legally held responsible for their actions when their negligent conduct causes injury to another player, according to legal experts.

In a ruling that pointedly reaffirms the notion that sports are not exempt from the rule of law, Justice Daniel Payette held that participants in sporting activities implicitly accept certain reasonable inherent risks while playing. But not every risk is an inherent risk, particularly if it involves conduct that is outside the realm of the sport, added Justice Payette.

“This will be a landmark ruling in civil liability cases involving sports,” said Montreal sports lawyer Marianne Saroli.