Over the past 10 years there have been injuries and deaths reported at some of the biggest sports venues in the United States. Last year in Texas. a fan fell to his death from the stands when a player attempted to throw a ball into the crowd. In another incident, a 2 year old child died falling from a luxury suite. Elsewhere, spectators were injured at a game when they were caught in the middle of two teams fighting one another which ended up in the seats.
For the most part, injuries sustained at sporting venues are not only common. however, when they do occur they can range from minimal to life changing.
According to the Football Licensing Authority, spectators reported a total of 1,386 injuries during the 2009-2010 season alone. Those who attend the sporting events are presumed to know that they are taking a risk of being injured. The injury can stem from a bat, ball, puck, or any other kind of flying object. It’s part of the game even though owners have a duty to provide safety for the most dangerous parts of the venue itself.
If negligence is involved, that is a different story in its entirety. Even though a spectator has assumed the risk of injury once they step into a sporting venue, the facility still has a legal responsibility to act reasonably in maintaining its premises, free of any known and preventable safety hazards.
Injured at a sports event? Question on the liability of the venue operator? Who decides?
These questions are not simple. If you get no assistance from the operators, seek a legal opinion from an experienced injury attorney. You may or may not have a case, but you won't know until you ask.
