Summer Camp Injuries

Children, teens, and adults in some cases enjoy summer camp, sports camp, and recreational programs. With any physical activity, there is a risk of injury. It is just part of the risks of participating in the sport or the game. For instance, let's discuss a basketball injury. Let's say a player is dribbling towards the hoop and falls on his ankle on the way down from a basic layup. The player rolls his ankle which results in a fracture. The player suffered the injury while under the supervision of a coach, referees, and an organized sports program. This is a classic example of a risk of the activity, sport, or program. Under this general fact scenario, there does not appear to be any liability or fault on the part of the coach, referee, sports program, or any other individual or entity.

Personal injuries that take place while at or under the supervision of summer camp, sports camp, or recreational program can be pursued as a claim or case but only if the four essential elements of a tort or personal injury claim can be established through the facts / evidence. The four essential elements are as follows:

1. Duty;
2. Breach of Duty;
3. Causation; and
4. Damages.

Let's take a look at another fact scenario. Let's say a 10 year old is at summer camp. There is a hike over a broken down bridge. The camp counselor and the camp knew that the bridge was dangerous and had many missing links. The child fell off the bridge and fractured her leg. Under this fact scenario, the four elements as listed above could be argued and established. The counselor and camp breached the duty of care of providing the child with a safe environment. The hike should have been cancelled or diverted to another area. The breach of duty caused the damages in the form of a fractured leg.

It should be noted that each case or claim for personal injuries against a Summer Camp, Sports Camp, or Recreational Progam should be evaluated on its own facts and merits. The applicable statutes, ordinances, and policies / procedures should be reviewed and applied to the facts at issue. It is important that the elements are linked together.

When a child or adult is injured at a Summer Camp, Sports Camp, or Recreational Program, a Florida Personal Injury Attorney should be contacted for advice, guidance, and legal representation assuming that a case or claim can be established as outlined above. The right to compensation will depend on a number of factors. The evaluation of the case will also include the amount and type of liability insurance in place.

David A. Wolf is the author of a number of books including the book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know. The book is available for free for parents and others seeking information in the aftermath of a personal injury. David A. Wolf strongly believes in Giving a Voice to Injury Victims and Their Families.

David A. Wolf is a Florida Personal Injury Attorney with over 30 years of experience handling a wide array of personal injury cases throughout the State of Florida. He is available 24 / 7 to his clients and for new consults. Call now for a FREE CONSULTATION. If the case is accepted for legal representation, it will be handled on a contingency basis which means NO RECOVERY - NO ATTORNEY FEES OR COSTS.