Compensation for young man injured on artificial turf pitch

In Istanbul, a person participating in an artificial turf match lost their balance, fell, and was seriously injured after hitting their head against the concrete wall at the edge of the pitch's fencing. The individual, who suffered a fractured skull, underwent brain surgery, spent 2 months in intensive care, and was left with permanent facial scarring, filed a compensation lawsuit holding the artificial turf operator responsible.

OPERATOR DEFENSE CLAIMED SUFFICIENT PRECAUTIONS WERE TAKEN

In its defense, the artificial turf business claimed that after the incident, it prevented unqualified individuals from intervening, called an ambulance from 112 emergency services, and ensured the injured person was transported to the hospital. Furthermore, it stated that all measures in accordance with regulations against potential injuries had been taken at the pitch, which had been renovated 5 months prior, and therefore they held no liability.

COURT DECISION: OPERATOR AT FAULT

However, based on the expert report submitted to the file, the court decided that the artificial turf operator had failed to take the necessary precautions and was entirely at fault in the incident. Additionally, it was determined that the plaintiff suffered a 16 percent loss of professional earning capacity, and the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The court sentenced the operator to pay the plaintiff 1 million 61 thousand 830 liras in pecuniary damages and 15 thousand liras in non-pecuniary damages.

UPHELD BY THE COURT OF CASSATION

The artificial turf business appealed the court's decision, claiming they had no fault in the incident. However, the 3rd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation, which conducted the appeal review, upheld the local court's decision and sentenced the operator to pay the compensation. 

News Source: 12punto