Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport; according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, it has grown by close to 40 percent since 2020. Our region has seen the same trend play out, with the following Hudson Valley venues emerging in Ulster and Dutchess Counties: (according to a Pickleheads.com search)
- Accord – Veteran’s Park
- Kingston – Loughran Park, YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County
- Pleasant Valley – James Baird State Park
- Poughkeepsie – Poughkeepsie Tennis Club, Spratt Park
- Red Hook – Red Hook Rec Park
- Rhinebeck – Gardens at Rhinebeck, Thompson Mazzarella Park
- Shokan – Grant Avery Park
- Staatsburg – Staatsburg Fire House aka Dinsmore Park
- Tannersville – Rip Van Winkle Park
As with any sport that gains popularity, new personal injury patterns begin to emerge. According to an August article from the New York Times, there were 19,000 pickleball injuries nationally in 2017, almost entirely with people 50 and over, including:
- Achilles strains and tears
- Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
- Lower back problems
- Muscle strains
- Tennis elbow
Most of the serious injuries were caused by slip and falls on pickleball courts. If there is a serious injury that incurs large expenses on the victim, it is possible that the venue or another party could be held liable. However, there is an “assumption of risk” that one takes when participating in sports, and participants may have been required to sign releases of liability that protect the property owner or other parties from any liability.
In the case of a pickleball court, it is possible that the playing surface was improperly maintained. Perhaps the owner of the surface (a local government or non profit organization) was aware of a defect, but chose not to warn players of it. In an indoor facility, perhaps flooring became dangerous due to water damage or moisture buildup; or perhaps flooring was improperly swept and maintained. In order to recover damages suffered on the premises, you must prove that the pickleball facility had a duty to provide a safe environment for you, and that the duty was breached.
If you suffered a premises liability injury of any kind, and your damages or losses are substantial, schedule a free consultation with our team of personal injury lawyers in Kingston, NY and Poughkeepsie, NY. We will help you decide the best course of action to get the compensation that you deserve. Call 845-600-0000 to schedule your free consultation today.