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.
Title: West Virginia 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 West Virginia, participants in sports activities engage in various physical pursuits under the guidance and supervision of instructors, trainers, and coaches. However, when an injury occurs during these activities, it becomes essential to determine whether the instructor, trainer, or coach can be held liable. This article will explore the essential factual elements necessary to establish liability in such cases in West Virginia. Types of West Virginia Instruction to Jury — Essential Factual Elements: 1. Negligence: To hold an instructor, trainer, or coach liable for an injury in a sports activity, the jury must establish that negligence occurred. Negligence implies that the instructor, trainer, or coach failed to fulfill their duty of care owed to the participant, resulting in the injury. Key elements to consider in establishing negligence may include: a) Duty of care: The instructor, trainer, or coach had a legal duty to provide reasonably safe instruction or guidance to the participant. b) Breach of duty: The instructor, trainer, or coach deviated from their duty by acting negligently or failing to take reasonable precautions. c) Causation: The participant's injury was a direct result of the instructor, trainer, or coach's breach of duty. d) Damages: The participant suffered actual harm, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, or emotional distress. 2. Standard of Care: The jury must assess whether the instructor, trainer, or coach met the appropriate standard of care required in their specific sports activity. The standard of care may vary depending on the nature of the sport, the participant's age and experience, and industry-accepted practices. It is essential to present evidence supporting a deviation from the standard of care to establish liability. 3. Participant's Assumption of Risk: West Virginia follows the doctrine of assumption of risk, which acknowledges that participants willingly and knowingly engage in sports activities with inherent risks. However, this does not absolve an instructor, trainer, or coach of their duty of care. To hold them liable, the jury must determine that the participant did not anticipate or explicitly assume the specific risk that led to the injury, or that the injury resulted from reckless or intentional conduct on the part of the instructor, trainer, or coach. 4. Prior Knowledge: Establishing liability may also require proving that the instructor, trainer, or coach had prior knowledge of potential risks, dangerous conditions, or a participant's health condition that could lead to injury. If the instructor, trainer, or coach failed to address or disclose this information adequately, they may be held liable. Conclusion: When injuries occur in sports activities in West Virginia, determining the liability of instructors, trainers, or coaches becomes crucial. By considering negligence, the standard of care, assumption of risk, and prior knowledge, a jury can identify the essential factual elements necessary to hold these individuals liable for the injuries sustained by participants. Understanding these elements helps ensure that sports activities are conducted safely and with the necessary caution to protect all involved parties.
