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: Alaska Instruction to Jury for Holding an Instructor, Trainer, or Coach Liable for an Injury to a Participant in a Sports Activity Introduction and Overview: Alaska recognizes the potential risks and dangers associated with participating in sports activities. However, in certain situations, an instructor, trainer, or coach may be held liable for injuries sustained by a participant under their supervision. This article outlines the essential factual elements necessary to successfully hold such individuals responsible for injuries during sports activities. 1. Duty of Care: One of the primary factors in holding an instructor, trainer, or coach liable for an injury is establishing their duty of care towards the participant. They must have a legal obligation to adequately supervise and provide instructions within the boundaries of their role. Words such as "duty," "obligation," and "standard of care" can be relevant keywords. 2. Breach of Duty: To establish liability, the injured participant must prove that the instructor, trainer, or coach breached their duty of care. This involves demonstrating that they failed to provide a reasonable level of supervision, training, or coaching, which directly contributed to the participant's injury. Keywords like "breach," "negligence," "failure," and "substandard care" are crucial in this context. 3. Knowledge or Foreseeability: In order to impute liability on the instructor, trainer, or coach, it is necessary to establish that they had knowledge or should have reasonably foreseen the potential risks associated with the sports activity in question. Keywords such as "foreseeability," "awareness," "risk assessment," and "prior knowledge" should be mentioned in this section. 4. Participant's Reliance on Instructor's Expertise: Proving that the participant reasonably relied on the expertise of the instructor, trainer, or coach can further support their claim. The injured person should demonstrate that they trusted and followed the instructions, guidance, or advice provided by the defendant. Keywords like "reliance," "trust," "guidance," and "expertise" are important here. 5. Causation: Establishing a causal connection between the instructor's actions or omissions and the participant's injury is essential. It must be demonstrated that the injury directly resulted from the instructor's breach of duty and negligence. Keywords like "causation," "direct link," "proximate cause," and "injury attribution" can be used in this section. Types of Alaska Instruction to Jury — Essential Factual Elements: 1. Instruction to Jury on Liability in Contact Sports: This category focuses on holding an instructor, trainer, or coach liable for injuries sustained during contact sports activities such as football, wrestling, or hockey. 2. Instruction to Jury on Liability in Non-Contact Sports: This category deals with establishing liability for injuries that occur during non-contact sports activities like tennis, swimming, or track and field. 3. Instruction to Jury on Liability in Extreme Sports: This category addresses the unique circumstances involved in holding an instructor, trainer, or coach liable for injuries in extreme sports activities such as mountain climbing, skydiving, or snowboarding. Conclusion: Successfully holding an instructor, trainer, or coach liable for an injury to a participant in a sports activity requires proving the essential factual elements mentioned above. By presenting evidence related to duty of care, breach of duty, knowledge or foreseeability, participant reliance, and causation, individuals can seek justice and compensation for their injuries. It is important to consult legal professionals well-versed in Alaska law to navigate the specific requirements for different types of sports activities.
