Paralympian sues University of Regina over diving accident

A paralympian is suing the University of Regina, accusing it of negligence in the accident which cost her the use of her legs.

Miranda Biletski is a paralympian now. The 28-year-old has been playing wheelchair rugby, also known as “murderball”, since shortly after her accident, and was the only woman on Canada’s team which went to the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

However, back in 2005, Biletski was a swimmer and a water polo player.

On June 6, 2005 she was practicing with the Piranhas Swim Club at the University of Regina pool.

Court documents say she dove into the water from a competition starting block, hit the bottom of the pool, and fractured her cervical vertebrae, causing her paralysis.

A lawsuit against the university was filed two-and-a-half years later but has taken until Monday to finally start being heard in court.

In the suit, Biletski is accusing the university of negligence.

In its defense, the university is denying any negligence on its part, and is, in turn, alleging negligence on the part of both Biletski herself and the Piranhas Swim Club.

It’s arguing the swim club should either be responsible for any liability it’s found the university has in the accident, or that any loss or damages Biletski experienced were caused by the swim club.

The civil suit is being heard at the Court of Queen’s Bench.