Compensation for Sports Injuries in Canada
Hockey has long been one of Canada’s national sports and players at the top of their game take to the ice with the intent to win games, often aggressively playing, leading to bitter scuffles and hard slams, which, despite the ample protection, can trigger serious long-term injuries. Until recently, seriously injured players bore the brunt of their sports injuries personally with their careers cut short and their capacity for alternate employment off the rink or field limited. However, recent stories of lawsuits being leveled at the Canadian Hockey League and National Hockey League teams indicate that injured players may be entitled to compensation. One such claim is the one that has been filed by a former goalie, John Chartrand, who played for the Barrie Colts in Ontario in the Canadian Hockey League. Mr. Chartrand is seeking $12 million in compensation for injuries sustained while playing, injuries that ultimately ended his hockey career.