What if I were hurt in a Recreational Accident in Gloucester County?
From boating on the Delaware River to weekend soccer leagues at our local parks, Gloucester County residents enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. These outlets are essential for our community’s health and happiness.
However, when a fun afternoon at a recreation center or a local sports complex ends in a trip to the emergency room, the consequences can be life-altering. Whether it was a poorly maintained field, faulty equipment at a gym, or a boating collision, our personal injury attorneys at Puff Sierzega & MacFeeters are here to explain your legal rights after a recreational accident.
Liability in South Jersey Sports
A common myth that insurance companies love to spread is that by stepping onto a playing field or signing a waiver, you have waived your right to seek compensation if you get hurt. In New Jersey, this is not always true.
While the law recognizes an “assumption of risk” for the inherent dangers of a sport, such as being hit by a ball in baseball, it does not excuse the “gross negligence” or “reckless behavior” of facility owners or other participants.
For instance, if a Gloucester County rec center fails to repair a broken floorboard that they knew was dangerous, or if a coach encourages dangerous and illegal play that leads to a concussion, the “waiver” you signed may not protect them from a lawsuit.
Common Types of Recreational Accidents
Our attorneys focus on investigating the specific circumstances of recreational injuries to determine where the safety breakdown occurred. These cases often involve:
- Boating and Personal Watercraft: Accidents caused by operator intoxication, excessive speed, or failure to follow maritime safety rules.
- Organized Leagues: Injuries resulting from unsafe facility conditions, lack of required safety equipment, or inadequate supervision of minors.
- Gyms and Fitness Centers: Accidents caused by poorly maintained machines or instructors pushing participants beyond safe limits without proper training.
Combating Insurance Company Blame-Shifting
When you file a claim for a recreational injury, the insurance company’s first move is almost always to shift the blame onto you. They will argue that you were “playing too aggressively” or that your injury was an “unfortunate but unavoidable” part of the activity.
They do this because they want you to accept a minimum settlement offer that barely covers your initial medical visit. At Puff Sierzega & MacFeeters, we know how to counter these arguments.
We focus on the evidence, including facility maintenance logs, expert safety standards, and witness statements, to show that the accident was, in fact, preventable. Our goal is to negotiate your settlement upward to reflect the true cost of your injuries, including future physical therapy and lost wages.
Proving Negligence in Recreational Cases
To win a case, we must demonstrate that the party responsible for the recreational activity failed in its duty to keep you safe. If a business puts profits over participant safety, they must be held accountable.
Consult With Our Gloucester County Injury Advocates
If a day of fun resulted in a serious injury, you deserve a legal team that will fight for your rights with the same intensity you bring to the game. At Puff Sierzega & MacFeeters, we focus on personal injury law so that our neighbors can focus on healing.
Call our office today at (856) 845-0011 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you get your life back on track.
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