In a jury trial jury instructions are given to the jury at the end of the case. These instructions are prepared by the attorneys of both parties and presented to the judge for approval. The instructions tell the jurors what the law is and how to apply the law to the facts that have been proven.
Puerto Rico Instruction to Jury — Essential Factual Elements Necessary to Hold an Instructor, Trainer, or Coach Liable for an Injury to a Participant in a Sports Activity Introduction: In Puerto Rico, when it comes to holding an instructor, trainer, or coach liable for injuries sustained by a participant in a sports activity, certain essential factual elements must be established. These elements provide the foundation for a successful claim against the responsible party. This detailed description will outline the crucial components necessary to prove liability and explore different types of sports activities where such liability can arise. Key Elements to Establish Liability: 1. Duty of Care: The first essential element is demonstrating that the instructor, trainer, or coach owed a duty of care to the participant. This duty arises from the assumed responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of the individual engaging in the sports activity. 2. Breach of Duty: The next crucial element is proving that the instructor, trainer, or coach breached their duty of care. This involves showing that their conduct or actions fell short of the accepted standard of care reasonably expected in the specific sports activity. 3. Causation: Another vital element is establishing a direct link between the breach of duty and the injury suffered by the participant. This requires demonstrating that the harm would not have occurred if it were not for the negligent actions or omissions of the instructor, trainer, or coach. 4. Foreseeability: It is essential to highlight that the potential injury was foreseeable, meaning a reasonable person in the instructor, trainer, or coach's position should have anticipated the potential risks associated with the specific sports activity and taken appropriate precautions. 5. Damages: Lastly, it is necessary to prove the existence of actual damages suffered by the participant as a direct result of the instructor, trainer, or coach's negligence. These damages can include physical injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any other specific losses incurred. Different Types of Sports Activities: 1. Team Sports: Liability claims can arise in team sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, or volleyball if an instructor, trainer, or coach fails to provide adequate supervision, instruction, or equipment maintenance. For example, if a coach neglects to enforce proper warm-up exercises or allows unsafe playing conditions, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries. 2. Individual Sports: Sports activities like gymnastics, martial arts, or swimming can also lead to liability claims. Instructors, trainers, or coaches must ensure proper training techniques, provide adequate safety measures, and address any equipment-related risks, failing which they might be held liable for participant injuries. 3. Extreme Sports: Extreme sports activities such as rock climbing, snowboarding, or skydiving present even greater risks, and it becomes even more critical for instructors, trainers, or coaches to exercise due diligence and provide appropriate safety guidelines, equipment, and supervision. Conclusion: To successfully hold an instructor, trainer, or coach liable for injuries to a participant in a sports activity in Puerto Rico, it is necessary to establish the essential factual elements outlined above. By demonstrating the duty of care owed, breach of that duty, causation, foreseeability, and resulting damages, a strong case can be made. Understanding the different types of sports activities where liability can arise enables participants and their legal representatives to assess the specific circumstances under which an instructor, trainer, or coach may be held accountable for their negligence.
