Liability & Umbrella Insurance Needs Changing as $8M awarded to hockey player paralyzed by hit
What does this mean for umbrella liability insurance needs in Canada?
What does this mean for amateur sport in Canada, like hockey, soccer?¶
Remember this?
Quebec Court of Appeal upholds $8M to hockey player paralyzed by illegal hit
Andrew Zaccardo, 21, was hit from behind along the boards in 2010
From <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-court-hockey-player-settlement-1.3578418>
The Quebec Court of Appeal has upheld a $8-million settlement for a hockey player who was left paralyzed by an illegal hockey hit.
Andrew Zaccardo, 21, will be awarded his settlement — barring an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Zaccardo was a 16-year-old forward with the Midget AA Laval Patriotes when he was hit from behind along the boards by Royal de Montréal defenceman Ludovic Gauvreau-Beaupré just 39 seconds into a game on Oct. 3, 2010.
He went into the boards head first, suffering a damaged spinal cord that left him with no use of his legs and only limited use of his hands and arms.
In February, Justice Daniel Payette ruled that Gauvreau-Beaupré's hit on Zaccardo was not accidental and found him at fault.
Gauvreau-Beaupré and the Chartris Insurance Company of Canada, which ensures players in leagues associated with Hockey Canada and Hockey Quebec, are responsible for paying the award.
From <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-court-hockey-player-settlement-1.3578418>
Judge awards $8M to hockey player disabled by bodycheck from behind.
Quebec Superior Court justice concludes that the rule of law still applies on the ice.
February 4, 2016
MONTREAL — A Montreal-area hockey player who was 16 when he became quadriplegic after a bodycheck from behind has been awarded eight million dollars.
One of Andrew Zaccardo’s lawyers says the amount handed down in a judge’s ruling this week might be a record in such a case in any sport.
Zaccardo has been unable to walk since being hit by Ludovic Gauvreau-Beaupre in 2010.
He also has limited use of his hands.
A Quebec Superior Court justice concluded in his judgment that the rule of law still applies on the ice.
Gauvreau-Beaupre had argued bodychecks are part of hockey, and there is an inherent risk when taking to the ice.
The Montreal Gazette quoted Zaccardo’s mother as saying the family is happy with the ruling, but still devastated by what happened.
¶
Canada is becoming more and more litigious.¶
Our world is changing so fast every day that it is impossible to keep up. We now live in a 24/7 news fed world where the goings on right here and abroad are known as they happen thanks to social media.
The story of Zaccardo above is very tragic. As a parent, we absolutely do not want any child seriously injured as a result of sport or any activity for that matter. We want our kids to have fun, to learn and to develop. It does however once again highlight changing times. We now need to take a close look at our lifestyles and evaluate where our own exposures lie.
Insurance is changing just as fast.¶
The need for insurance and what type of insurance is changing.
- How much is too much?
- How much is not enough?
- What am I covered for?
- What are my exposures?
- Am I exposed more than others?
Insurance is not a point and clicks commodity. Professional advice is required to understand what you are covered for and to understand where your potential exposures lie.
Insurance is probably the most affordable way to get "Peace of mind" for you, your family and your assets. Gone are the days of thinking that"it will never happen to me."
Download our liability assessment tool. This is a great way to start a discussion with us to see where your exposures lie and how we can help.