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.
Colorado 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: Colorado Instruction to Jury outlines the essential factual elements required to establish liability against an instructor, trainer, or coach for causing injury to a participant in a sports activity. By understanding these elements, juries can accurately assess whether the person responsible for the sports activity can be held legally accountable for the participant's injuries. 1. Duty of Care: The first essential element in holding an instructor, trainer, or coach liable is establishing that they owed a duty of care to the participant. This duty arises when there is a special relationship between the instructor and participant, such as a coach-athlete relationship. 2. Standard of Care: The next crucial element is demonstrating that the instructor or coach breached the standard of care owed to the participant. To prove this, the plaintiff must show that the instructor's actions or omissions fell below what a reasonably competent instructor, trainer, or coach would have done under similar circumstances. 3. Knowledge or Awareness: It is essential to establish that the instructor, trainer, or coach had actual or constructive knowledge of the potential risks or dangers associated with the sports activity. This knowledge can be shown through prior experience, training, or awareness of industry standards. 4. Failure to Warn or Instruct: The plaintiff must prove that the instructor, trainer, or coach failed to adequately warn or instruct the participant about the known risks associated with the activity. This includes informing the participant about the appropriate techniques, safety measures, or precautions to minimize the risk of injury. 5. Causation: There must be a direct link between the instructor, trainer, or coach's breach of duty and the participant's injury. The plaintiff needs to demonstrate that, had the instructor fulfilled their duty of care, the participant's injury could have been prevented or minimized. Different Types of Colorado Instruction to Jury related to holding an Instructor, Trainer, or Coach Liable for an Injury to a Participant in a Sports Activity: 1. Instruction to Jury in Case of Negligent Supervision: This type of instruction focuses on situations where the instructor, trainer, or coach failed to provide adequate supervision or failed to intervene when foreseeable risks arose during the sports activity, leading to injury. 2. Instruction to Jury in Case of Inadequate Training: This instruction pertains to cases where the instructor, trainer, or coach lacked the necessary expertise, certifications, or qualifications to conduct the sports activity safely. It emphasizes the importance of competent training in reducing the risk of injury to participants. 3. Instruction to Jury in Case of Failure to Maintain Equipment: Instructors, trainers, or coaches have a duty to ensure that all sports equipment used during the activity is safe and well-maintained. This instruction covers situations where the failure to properly inspect or maintain equipment directly contributes to the participant's injury. In conclusion, the Colorado Instruction to Jury provides detailed guidance on the essential factual elements required to establish liability against an instructor, trainer, or coach for causing injury to a participant in a sports activity. By considering each element and its variations in different scenarios, juries can effectively determine whether the defendant should be held legally responsible for the harm caused to the participant.
