Denied compensation after football injury: 'They are trying to wriggle out of it'

Norwegian lawyer Thorsteinn J. Skansbo, who typically helps clients seek compensation for severe injuries, now finds himself in a legal battle for his own well-being after a football incident two years ago.

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I got the ball around here, I think...

Skansbo, 52, a specialist in personal injury law, was playing a friendly football match with friends in October 2024 when he was struck by a ball. The impact, which hit him in the right cheek, led to a cascade of health issues, including persistent pain, nausea, and difficulties with concentration. These symptoms have significantly impacted his life, forcing him to lose an estimated half a million kroner annually.

The crux of Skansbo's struggle is not just the physical recovery but a protracted dispute with his insurance company. The company is reportedly unwilling to classify the incident as an accident, a designation that is crucial for him to receive compensation. This disagreement over the definition of an 'accident' is central to his ongoing fight.

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– ...and then I went down.

Skansbo's professional background, ironically, involves advocating for individuals seeking damages after various incidents, including fires, traffic accidents, and even the 2011 Utøya attacks. Now, he faces a similar challenge, but as the claimant, questioning the very definition of an accident and its implications for insurance claims.

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– They are trying to wriggle out of it.