Accident at the Zwickau city run: lawsuit for pain and suffering in court!

Accident at the Zwickau city run: lawsuit for pain and suffering in court!

An unusual legal dispute will be heard next Wednesday before the Higher Regional Court in Dresden. The case bears the traces of an accident that happened during the Zwickau city run two years ago. On May 14, 2023, a participant collided with a runner at the corner of Rosengäßchen and Marienstrasse, which resulted in a painful broken wrist. Now the plaintiff, a woman, is demanding damages and compensation amounting to 4,000 euros.

The incident, which brought little joy to none of those involved, has raised some legal questions. The plaintiff has sued both the organizer of the city run, SV Vorwärts Zwickau, and the runner. However, in the first instance, the Zwickau Regional Court dismissed the lawsuit, which prompted the plaintiff to appeal. Their main argument: The organizer did not take sufficient safety precautions and the runner posed a danger to the public with his speed. This brings us to a central question: Who is really responsible for sports?

Liability in sport: A tightrope walk

In the world of sports, injuries are often commonplace. But what about liability? In general, participants bear the risk of injury themselves. This means that a runner who causes an accident during competition cannot automatically be held liable. Loud Lawyer search service Coaches or sports colleagues are only liable if they act grossly negligently or intentionally.

Disclaimers are common at sporting events. These transfer the risk to the participants, unless there are negligent or intentional acts. Sports clubs are obliged to protect their members from excessive risks. If injuries do occur, the club may be held liable. In our case, the organizer's security planning could become crucial.

Another aspect is the role of sports insurance. These often offer some protection in the event of accidents, although conditions may vary depending on the club. It is particularly important for organizing clubs to have good insurance in order to protect themselves against possible claims for damages. Which regulations specifically apply to the Zwickau city run remains part of the legal assessment in the process.

Compensation for pain and suffering and damages: A right to compensation?

The plaintiff's claim of 4,000 euros arouses many people's interest in the question of whether and to what extent compensation for pain and suffering is actually awarded. Jurisprudence agrees that there are no automatic claims for compensation for injuries in sports. The basic rule is: For the unintentional injury of a participant in the context of a competition, gross negligence or intent must be proven. A clear demarcation is important here, he explains ARAG that associations and carers can be held liable for negligent actions.

The current case shows how quickly a sporting event can turn into a legal dispute. The decision of the Higher Regional Court will therefore not only be important for the plaintiff, but could also have far-reaching consequences for future sporting events in the region. Let's stay tuned for the outcome of this tricky matter!