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Rundlewalker Solicitors Offer Guidance on Compensation for Water Sports Injuries.

With summer well underway, many locals and holidaymakers are heading to the coast to enjoy water sports - from jet skiing to kayaking along the stunning Jurassic Coast. But what happens when an exhilarating activity ends in an accident or injury through no fault of your own?

Roger Henderson, Director and Head of Personal Injury at Rundlewalker Solicitors, shares insight into how these accidents occur and what steps injured parties should take if they believe someone else was to blame.

“Water sports are a fantastic way to embrace the outdoors,” says Roger. “But they do carry risk - especially when proper precautions aren’t taken. Whether it’s poorly maintained equipment or inadequate safety measures, we regularly see cases where negligence has led to serious injury.”

Understanding the Risks.
Water sports accidents can result from a range of factors. Common causes include:

• Faulty Equipment - Issues with equipment such as jet skis, sailboats or life vests due to poor maintenance.
• Inadequate Training - A lack of proper instruction can lead to mistakes, particularly in more technical activities like sailing or water skiing.
• Negligent Operators - Speeding, ignoring safety rules or operating under the influence can result in accidents.
• Environmental Hazards - Unexpected currents, underwater rocks or changes in weather can all contribute, especially if proper warnings weren’t given.
• Poor Safety Standards - Inadequate supervision, lack of life jackets or safety briefings can all amount to negligence.

What to Do After an Accident.
If you’ve been hurt during a water sport activity and believe it wasn’t your fault, Rundlewalker recommends taking the following steps:

1. Seek medical help immediately and ensure injuries are fully documented.
2. Report the incident to the responsible operator or facility and obtain a copy of any written report.
3. Collect evidence - take photos, speak to witnesses, and record what happened.
4. Keep detailed records of medical costs, lost earnings, and related expenses.

Can You Claim Compensation?
To bring a successful compensation claim, you’ll need to prove that the operator or organiser was negligent - that they owed you a duty of care, failed in that duty, and that failure caused your injury.

“In many cases,” says Roger, “we find negligence where organisers failed to act as a ‘reasonable person’ would - something courts often describe as the standard of the ‘man on the Clapham omnibus’.”

How Rundlewalker Can Help.
The team at Rundlewalker offers clear, supportive legal advice throughout the process. Our service includes:

• Investigating the accident and establishing liability.
• Collecting evidence and expert opinions.
• Managing all communications with insurers.
• Representing you in court, if necessary.

Conclusion:
Water sports can be incredibly enjoyable, but accidents can and do happen. If you’ve been injured in a water sports accident that was not your fault, it’s important to take swift action to protect your rights. The implications can be very serious, physically, emotionally, and financially. You need to act swiftly and get the right legal advice. The highly experienced Accident and Injuries Team at Rundlewalker is available to you. Simply contact us now to discuss your legal situation and we can advise you of the options available. Please call Roger Henderson on 01392 209218 or email roger.henderson@rundlewalker.com

"Mr Roger Henderson from Rundlewalker dealt with my and my wife's injury claim. He always acted in a highly professional way, clearly explained intricacies of the process, and was available for contact and advice throughout the prolonged and complicated procedure. We benefited from his negotiating skills and we appreciated his patience, empathy and support. Highly recommended." Mr & Mrs D, Exeter.

"Thank you to Rundlewalker for the excellent help and advice given for my personal injury case. Roger was experienced, diligent, knowledgeable and highly organised, as well as great at providing updates at each step of the way. The USP for me (amidst a  variety of alternative online offers) is that the firm is LOCAL and accessible, and it's possible to speak to a lawyer in person; this can make all the difference, especially when the going gets tough, and this generates trust." Anon.

"Roger did an outstanding job with my accident claim. Despite difficulties along the way, his persistence and commitment paid off and I received compensation. I would recommend them fully to take on your case. Thanks again." L.J.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of my claim and was awarded a very large settlement thanks to Roger Henderson and his team at Rundlewalker. I felt assured that everything was taken into account and I was kept thoroughly informed throughout the entire claim process. Roger went above my expectation to get me the compensation I deserved, following an horrendous RTA. I would have no hesitation in recommending this firm to anyone who is seeking an honest and professional service.”

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.