Sports, tourist or domestic accidents: what to do and how to claim

Sports, tourist or domestic accidents can occur at any time, affecting people’s health and tranquillity. Knowing the steps to take and your rights is essential to properly manage these situations and claim compensation.

What is a sporting, tourist or domestic accident?

• Sports: Injuries such as sprains, fractures, or bruises sustained while playing sports.
• Tourist: Travel accidents, such as falls in hotels, injuries during excursions, or incidents during recreational activities.
• Domestic: Common household accidents, such as falls, burns, or accidents with household appliances.

The severity of these incidents can vary, ranging from minor injuries to serious consequences requiring immediate medical attention.

What to do after an accident

1. Assess severity: Determine if the injury requires immediate treatment or if it can be treated with first aid.
2. Seek medical help: In case of serious injury, consult a health care professional. A medical certificate will be required for any claim.
3. Report the accident: If it occurs at an organized sporting event, in a hotel or during a tourist activity, inform the staff in charge. Request that the incident be officially recorded.
4. Document the accident: Take photos of the scene, the injuries, and anything else that may have contributed to the incident. Also collect testimonies, if possible. Furthermore, if you notice that the accident site is a public place monitored by video cameras, it is important to request in writing as soon as possible from those responsible for the cameras that they preserve the recordings of the accident. Data protection regulations are generally very strict, and the data subject could delete the images at short notice if they are not requested to retain them for a legitimate reason.
5. Keep documentation: Keep any medical reports, purchase receipts, contracts, or records related to the event or service.

Accident Claims

Depending on the type of accident, you can claim compensation in the following cases:

• Sports: If the injury was caused by the negligence of the organizer, such as a lack of safety measures or inadequate equipment.
• Tourism: Injuries caused by faulty facilities, poorly managed operations, or failures in the maintenance of hotels or tourist vehicles.
• Domestic: Accidents caused by defective products, such as poorly manufactured appliances or furniture.

The claim must include evidence such as medical reports, photographs of the scene, and witness accounts. It is also worth checking the terms of the insurance of the event organizer, hotel, or manufacturer of the product concerned.

Available offsets

Victims of these accidents can claim:

• Medical expenses: Treatments, rehabilitation and medication.
• Loss of income: If the injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently.
• Bodily and psychological damage: Compensation for physical and emotional pain suffered.
• Property Damage Repair: If the accident caused damage to personal belongings.

Travel, home, or sports insurance often covers these incidents, although legal advice may be needed if compensation is insufficient.

When to see a lawyer

If the person responsible for the accident denies any responsibility or if the proposed compensation does not cover the damage suffered, it is advisable to contact a specialist lawyer. This professional can:

• Assist in gathering evidence and negotiating with insurers.
• You represent in legal proceedings in order to obtain fair compensation.
• Make sure your rights as a victim are respected.

Accident prevention

While accidents cannot always be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risks:

• Sports: Wear appropriate protective equipment, warm up before the activity and follow the rules of good practice.
• Tourist: Follow the safety instructions provided by guides or travel agencies and purchase insurance that covers emergencies.
• Domestic: Keep the home safe, repair damage, and check appliances and furniture regularly.

Conclusion

A sporting, tourist or domestic accident can lead to significant complications, but knowing how to act and make demands can minimize the impact. With an informed approach and, if necessary, legal advice, fair compensation can be secured and those responsible are held accountable for their duty. Prevention is the best strategy to avoid these incidents, but when they do happen, documentation and knowing your rights are your best tools. At BCV Lex, our teams in Bordeaux and Madrid are at your service and operate throughout France and Spain to defend your interests. Don’t hesitate to contact us.