A proposed class action was started against the CHL and Hockey Canada on behalf of all current and former CHL players who suffered injuries caused by fighting in CHL games. The claim alleges that the CHL and Hockey Canada perpetuated an environment that permitted, condoned, and even encouraged fighting and violence in the game among players, many of whom were underaged. The claim seeks damages caused by the fighting including significant and preventable injuries sustained by the players.
The CHL and Hockey Canada have long known that fighting and violence in amateur youth hockey can lead to serious and permanent injuries, including concussions, broken bones, shattered limbs, torn ligaments, disfigured faces, brain and spinal injuries, and even death. Yet, it is alleged that they failed create a safe environment for players by permitting the league to have a culture that sanctioned assault. This approach to fighting and violence in the game makes the CHL an outlier relative to other comparable amateur youth hockey leagues around the world who take a more proactive and preventative approach to reduce fighting and violence. The claim alleges that the CHL and Hockey Canada should have prevented these unnecessary injuries to players by changing the culture in the league through training, education and rule change.
The claim is still at an early stage and updates about the lawsuit will be posted on the website as they unfold.
If you or a loved one are a current or former CHL player and suffered an injury from fighting in the CHL, call Klein Lawyers at (604) 874-7171 today for a free case review. Or you can complete our “Do You Qualify Form” and a member of our team will contact you to obtain more information to assess your eligibility to participate in this proposed class action.
“The negotiations were conducted by plaintiffs’ counsel with experience in class proceedings.”
“I am satisfied it is apparent from the material, which is complicated, and, I might say very well organized...”
“Plaintiff’s counsel are senior members of the bar who have extensive experience in personal injury litigation and class actions..”
“Mr. Klein is experienced and able in relation to class proceedings. Over time he has acquired expertise that permits him to make a valuable contribution...”
“The lead class counsel is experienced and has been recognized by the courts in approving settlements in other class actions.”
“Counsel for the plaintiffs in the various jurisdictions appear to be experienced in class proceedings, and to be recognized as skilled litigators.”
“…Plaintiff’s counsel retained the British Columbia law firm of Klein Lawyers to assist in the litigation. That firm has extensive experience...”
“Klein Lawyers is a litigation firm focusing on class actions. The firm is based in Vancouver but also has a Toronto office.”
“The proposed Class Counsel have excellent qualifications…”
“Mr. Klein of Klein Lawyers has over 20 years of experience in the field of class action litigation and has appeared as plaintiffs’ counsel in over 25 certified class actions...”
“Class counsel, Klein Lawyers LLP and Kim Orr Barristers P.C., are highly experienced in class action litigation. Both firms have practiced in the specialized area of class action litigation for over 20 years”
“British Columbia class counsel took on this case on a contingency basis, and faced a real risk of not being paid at all for their services.”
“Class counsel pursued this litigation to completion on their own rather than with a consortium of counsel from various provinces.”
“Klein Lawyers has continuously posted updates about the case on its website during the litigation, and has posted the court decisions...”
“There is little doubt that the lawyers of the firm expended a great deal of time in prosecuting the action, in negotiating a settlement...”
“…Class counsel undertook an extensive communication plan to advise potential class members of the proposed settlement and to advise them of the...”