It’s been a summer of sport: the Euros, the Olympics, the Paralympics are just a few of the big events that have brought us all together.
We use sport, whether as a spectator or a participant, as a hobby, a distraction, as a form of entertainment, a positive force in our lives. For most of the time, we’re not thinking about risk or what could go wrong whilst we’re cheering on our country, our team, or our favourite athlete, or when we’re on the pitch ourselves. But should we be giving risk more serious and careful consideration, whether as an amateur or a professional?
Sadly, in life, nothing is risk free. Sustaining a serious head injury in sport is not unheard of and has sadly proven to have catastrophic life changing consequences. The link between head injury/concussion and the onset of dementia has also been a topic of debate for quite some time with some high profile, well documented examples suggesting a link between the two.
Precautions can, to some extent, be taken within sport but the risk of concussion and head injury will never go away completely, particularly for contact sports such as rugby, football and boxing. As a lawyer, I’m risk averse, so what other steps can be taken?
A head injury could ultimately impact on a person’s ability to make their own decisions, both in the short and long term. Whilst nobody likes to think about this, it’s generally better to be prepared. Putting in place a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) before any risk arises, and normally when the likelihood of ever needing one is non-existent, is always the best approach. This is particularly important because strict capacity requirements mean you might not be able to put one in place when you really need it.
With an LPA you can name someone you trust completely to make decisions on your behalf if, at any point in future, you’re no longer able to make decisions for yourself. This can be in relation to your property and finances, or in relation to your health and welfare.
People don’t realise the complications that arise if you don’t have an LPA and you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. These include not being able to make payments from your bank accounts for your mortgage, rent, school fees and other essential living expenses. This is particularly problematic if the person unable to make decisions is the main breadwinner or has control over the main family bank account.
Contrary to what many people think, LPAs are not documents reserved for older people. They are for everyone: and particularly for people who involve themselves in any “risky” activity whether that’s professional or amateur sport.
Consider LPAs to be just like an insurance policy which you put in place but, hopefully, never need to rely upon.
If you think an LPA might be right for you, please don't hesitate to contact me.
