Can You Sue For A Skydiving Accident?

If you or a loved one was injured in a skydiving accident, you may have the right to receive compensation. Here's what will determine whether you have a claim.

Assumption of Risk and Liability

When it comes to engaging in activities like skydiving, participants are often required to sign waivers that acknowledge the inherent risks involved. These waivers aim to protect the skydiving company from liability for any injuries or accidents that may occur.

However, it's important to know that the existence of an assumption of risk agreement doesn't absolve all parties of liability. If you can establish that the accident was a result of negligence or misconduct on the part of the skydiving company or its employees, you may still have grounds to sue.

Examples of negligence could include inadequate maintenance of equipment, failure to provide proper training, or violations of safety regulations. Consult with a personal injury lawyer to receive an assessment of the specific circumstances and determine the strength of your case.

Establishing Negligence

In a skydiving accident lawsuit, one of the key elements to prove is negligence. To successfully establish negligence, you must demonstrate that the skydiving company or its employees failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in the accident and subsequent injuries. This could involve showing that the equipment provided was defective or improperly maintained, the instructors didn't provide adequate training or supervision, or the company violated safety regulations.

Gathering evidence such as eyewitness statements, expert opinions, maintenance records, or training manuals can be crucial in supporting your claim. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities of skydiving accidents will greatly assist in investigating and presenting the evidence necessary to establish negligence.

Potential Defendants

In a skydiving accident lawsuit, there may be multiple potential defendants depending on the circumstances. The skydiving company itself, the instructors, equipment manufacturers, and even other participants could be held responsible for the accident.

The skydiving company may be liable for negligent hiring or training practices, while the instructors could be held accountable for providing inadequate guidance or supervision. Equipment manufacturers might face liability if the accident resulted from a product defect or failure. 

Additionally, if another participant's actions directly contributed to the accident, they could be considered a defendant in your case. Identifying all potential defendants is important for ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable and maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Reach out to a local personal injury lawyer to learn more.