When you send your child to a class, you expect the instructor to know how to keep him or her safe. This is especially true of classes where your child could easily get hurt, like in rock climbing courses.
Climbing is a great skill to have, especially in Alaska. However, this sport can be very dangerous for inexperienced people. Many injuries result from impacts against rocks or indoor rock walls, but others occur due to overuse of tendons, muscles or joints. It is also common to see injuries from falls or collisions with other climbers.
If your child goes rock climbing, indoors or out, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, if your child complains about a fall, impact or other accident, talk to the instructor about the incident. Children should always wear correct climbing gear and be monitored while climbing. If your child is badly hurt due to equipment that snaps or is not sized properly for him or her, look at your contract for the class. In many cases, negligence isn’t covered by a contract. That means injuries that happen because of an instructor’s errors could be compensated.
Keep documents together when making a claim. Not all accidents require a lawsuit to obtain compensation, but with documents in order, it’s easier to file one. If you are unsure about your claim, contact an attorney to read your contract and help you evaluate your options.
The Merdes Law Office has been helping Alaskans for more than 30 years. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
Source: Training for Climbing, “Youth Climbing Injuries (and Prevention)”
