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.
New Mexico 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 the state of New Mexico, instructors, trainers, or coaches who are responsible for organizing and supervising sports activities may be held liable for injuries caused to participants under certain circumstances. To establish liability, certain essential factual elements must be proven in court. This guide will outline the necessary elements for holding an instructor, trainer, or coach accountable for an injury to a participant in a sports activity in the state of New Mexico. 1. Duty of Care: The first essential element is establishing that the instructor, trainer, or coach owed a duty of care to the participant. This duty extends to providing a reasonably safe environment, proper instruction, adequate equipment, and appropriate supervision to ensure the participant's safety. 2. Breach of Duty: The second element is demonstrating that the instructor, trainer, or coach breached their duty of care. This can be proven by showing their failure to provide adequate supervision, give proper instructions, maintain equipment, or address dangerous conditions that could foreseeably lead to injuries. 3. Causation: The third element involves establishing a causal connection between the instructor, trainer, or coach's breach of duty and the participant's injury. It must be shown that the instructor's actions or lack thereof directly contributed to the harm suffered by the participant. 4. Foreseeability: Foreseeability is another crucial element. It must be demonstrated that the instructor, trainer, or coach should have reasonably foreseen the potential risks or dangers associated with the sports activity in question. This includes being aware of the participants' skill level, the nature of the sport, and any potential hazards. 5. Participant's Contributory Negligence: New Mexico follows a comparative negligence system, where the injured participant's own negligence can impact their ability to recover damages. Therefore, the plaintiff's own contributory negligence may be considered as an element in determining the responsibility of the instructor, trainer, or coach. Types of New Mexico 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: While the essential elements mentioned above apply broadly to instructor, trainer, or coach liability, it is important to note that specific sports activities may have additional elements to consider. Some examples of sports activities where liability can arise include: 1. Contact sports (football, martial arts, rugby): In addition to the general elements, it may be necessary to establish the nature of the contact sport, the standard of care expected, and any specific rules or regulations relevant to the sport. 2. Gymnastics or acrobatics: Instructors, trainers, or coaches in these activities may have a heightened duty of care given the inherent risks involved. It may be essential to establish the appropriate level of supervision, equipment safety, and skills required for participants. 3. Extreme sports (rock climbing, bungee jumping): These activities often carry greater inherent risks, and therefore, the duty of care and foreseeability aspects become vital. Expert testimony may be required to establish the industry's standard of care and whether the instructor, trainer, or coach fulfilled their obligations. Conclusion: When pursuing a claim against an instructor, trainer, or coach for an injury sustained during a sports activity in New Mexico, it is vital to establish all the essential factual elements necessary to hold them liable. By proving their duty of care, breach of duty, causation, foreseeability, and considering the participant's contributory negligence, a plaintiff has a stronger chance of securing appropriate compensation for their injuries.
