Practice Areas

Video Library

Blog

Library

Representation from a Lawyer and Lifelong Athlete

Individuals in NJ and PA who have been injured in accidents in the context of a sporting event, while training, while using athletic equipment or while on a school athletic field, face some unique challenges. These accidents occur during activities which carry some level of inherent risk. There are legal doctrines in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey that apply to these cases. These legal doctrines permit the defendants in these cases to raise defenses which would not be available had the accident occurred in a different context. Also, it is not uncommon for individuals participating in sports and recreation activities to have signed a Release and Waiver form.

Dan O'Brien has both a professional and personal background which enables him to navigate these legal and factual challenges in an effective manner.

Dan has been an athlete his entire life. After playing all of the usual team sports in his youth, Dan became very active in triathlon, bicycle racing, distance running and open water swimming. Dan has completed over 100 triathlons, including multiple iron man distance races. He has raced road and mountain bikes and has participated in innumerable running races and many open water swim competitions.

In addition to competing in all manner of sporting events, Dan is actively involved in sports and recreation management on a volunteer basis as well. He is the Athletic Director at his children's school, the president of the recreation association in his home town and coaches several youth baseball teams. Dan also serves on the Legal Committee of USA Triathlon, which is the national governing body for the sports of Triathlon and Duathlon, and the organization responsible for sending American Triathletes to the Olympic Games.

Being a personal injury attorney, and being involved with all of these sports and recreation activities, it was perhaps inevitable that Dan would be asked to represent individuals who were injured in the context of sports and recreational activities. This has resulted in Dan representing individuals injured in each of the following settings: 

• Triathlon and bicycle racing accidents involving race management, course set up and traffic management
• Motorists entering closed race courses
• Bicycle component failures
• Training equipment failures and malfunctions
• Gymnasium and recreation center facilities management and crowd control
• Hotel workout room accidents
• Injuries involving faulty bicycle helmets
• Motor vehicle accidents injuring individuals while on training rides or runs
• School yard/school athletic field accidents

Dan's unique personal and professional background has led to him handling sports and recreation accident cases in other states, in addition to Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He has partnered with attorneys from other states to handle serious matters in "foreign" jurisdictions.

These cases have involved some individuals who have suffered the most serious types of injuries imaginable -- quadriplegia, brain damage and similar life-altering injuries. Other cases have involved injuries which simply limit or end the client's ability to participate in their chosen sport. These "quality of life" cases present unique challenges for the attorney and the injured party -- how to communicate to the opposing side or the jury the vital importance of being able to live a healthy, active lifestyle and to be able to compete in athletic competitions later in life.

Dan very much enjoys handling sports and recreation cases. If you have been injured in a sport or recreation accident, or your child has been injured on an athletic field or a playground, Dan may be able to help you.


Daniel J. O'Brien and White and Williams serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including the following areas: Philadelphia, Conshohocken County, Montgomery County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Camden County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Burlington County, Ocean County, Atlantic County, Cape May County .

Blog for Sports & Recreation Accidents

• Philadelphia Duck Boat Accident-Two Missing

  Description: Free article with invaluable legal information about maritime law and boating accidents. The antiquated limitation of damages defense can be defeated. Personal injury lawyers serve accident victims in all areas of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 1-877-944-8396

• Your Child Was Injured During Field Day At School - Who Was Paying Attention To Safety?

  Description: Injuries often happen at school's Field Day events. This is because students are invited to participate in athletic events and competitions such as running races, home run contests, etc. However, attention to safety at these events are completely lacking and leads to numerous injuries to the students. Free Article on Field Day accidents. Personal injury lawyer serving Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, PA and NJ.

• Amusement Park Accidents in PA and NJ

  Description: Free article and legal information about amusement park accidents and amusement park rides for PA and NJ residents. A must read before you hire a lawyer.

Library for Sports & Recreation Accidents:

• Amusement Ride Accident and Injuries at the Jersy Shore -- How to Stay Safe
  Description: Boardwalk rides and amusement rides are one of the main attractions at the Jersey Shore; however, ride accidents and injuries also occur. Free article with legal information about owner and rider responsibility to avoid ride accident and injuries. Personal injury lawyers serving accident victims in Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, PA and NJ. Call 1-877-944-8396 for free consultation.
• Duck Boat Accident in Philadelphia Presents Significant Legal Hurdles to those Injured
  Description: Free article with invaluable legal information related to boating accidents and maritime law. Maritime law presents unique challenges to the lawyer representing boating accident victims. Personal injury lawyers serving all areas of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 1-877.944.8396
• YOUR CHILD WAS INJURED DURING FIELD DAY AT SCHOOL -- WHO WAS PAYING ATTENTION TO SAFETY?
  Description: Injuries often happen at school's Field Day events. This is because students are invited to participate in athletic events and competitions such as running races, home run contests, etc. However, attention to safety at these events are completely lacking and leads to numerous injuries to the students. Free Article on Field Day accidents. Personal injury lawyer serving Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, PA and NJ. 1-877-944-8396.
• Amusement Park Accidents--Ignoring Basic Safety Considerations Can Result in Devastating Injuries
  Description: Free article on amusement park accidents with valuable legal information for residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Contact us for a free consultation. 1-877-944-8396

View All

Videos about Sports & Recreation Accidents:

• Personal Injury Cases in Sports and Recreactional Activities

Pennsylvania and New Jersey Personal Injury Law -- Free Report

See All Books

Do I Have A Case?

Latest News

Web Resources