Legal Challenges in Pickleball: A recent lawsuit in Central Florida highlights growing safety concerns in pickleball. An injury to a lower-skilled player during a match with experienced players has led to discussions about legal responsibilities and the need for better safety measures in the rapidly growing sport.
The lawsuit stems from an incident where a lower-skilled player was injured while attempting to join a game with experienced 5.0 players. During a rally, the player was hit in the eye, requiring treatment at a local hospital.
Following the incident, the player filed a negligence lawsuit against the local government under section 768.28 of the Florida Statutes. This law allows the government to be held liable for negligent actions like a private individual. The lawsuit claimed a “failure to warn,” suggesting that the local government should have posted signs indicating the risks of injury in pickleball.
Though the case never reached court, it was settled quietly, with no public record available about the settlement amount. Local governments often keep such settlements confidential to avoid potential non-disclosure agreements. However, the implications of the case remain significant, signaling that legal challenges may continue to rise in the sport.
New Measures to Enhance Safety
In response to these risks, Mr. Dale Bruschi, a seasoned attorney and dedicated pickleball player, has advocated for changes in local courts.
His team in Hollywood, Florida, has implemented skill-based court divisions for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players. This helps ensure that players are paired with others of similar ability, reducing the likelihood of injuries from mismatched skill levels.
“Players tend to enjoy the game more when they are paired with players of the same skill level. Younger players tend to strike the ball at greater velocity and have quicker hand speed, while older players generally play at lower speeds.” – (Mr. Bruschi)
Additionally, signs have been installed at the courts to guide players on appropriate skill levels for their games, further reducing injury risks.
Potential Risks with Growing Popularity
As pickleball’s popularity continues to soar, the risk of injury also increases. The sport’s fast pace has escalated due to advancements in paddles, with spin rates jumping from around 700 to over 2300 spins.
“The reflex and pop rate off of these paddles is tremendous,” Mr. Bruschi noted. With this intensification, injuries are becoming more frequent, leading to an expectation of more lawsuits and the need for accountability.
Advice for Preventing Future Lawsuits
To mitigate these issues, Mr. Bruschi suggests that courts need to prioritize player safety. He believes that mandatory eyewear will soon be essential, especially in competitive play. He added,
“The pro circuits are already embracing it, and it’s only a matter of time before recreational courts follow suit.” – (Mr. Bruschi)
He emphasized that increased signage and reinforcing the importance of matching players to their skill levels can help prevent future lawsuits.
News in Brief: Legal Challenges in Pickleball
A recent lawsuit in Central Florida underscores the need for safety measures in pickleball. As the sport grows, ensuring proper player matching and safety equipment may help prevent pickleball injuries and legal challenges in the future.
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