At Maison Law, we offer representation to those who have been hurt in sporting events in California. We understand that sports are a part of everyday life for many and that nobody ever expects to become injured in a sporting event accident. However, this is the reality that many individuals face every year in the state. In the blink of an eye, a foul ball or a fall can affect a sports attendee, who could be left with serious injuries. We are here to help you protect your rights along the way after one of these accidents. Please contact us for more information and a completely free case consultation.
Events Causing Injuries to Spectators
Even though it can be fun and exciting to watch a live sport, many individuals who attend sporting events do not know that there could be risks. Here are some unseen dangers that a spectator to a sporting event could face: Stuck By Objects: At a sporting event, there is always a chance that stray objects could strike spectators. These could include anything from baseballs or hockey pucks to broken pieces of equipment that fly through the air. When items are flying toward spectators at such high speeds, it can lead to incredibly serious injuries. Falls: Falls can happen on bleachers or when there are many spectators at an event, causing others to be pushed. Overcrowding: When a popular team is playing at an event, there is always a risk of overcrowding in a stadium. This means that crush injuries or stampedes can occur, which can be fatal if they are severe enough. Weather Hazards: In conditions of extreme cold and heat, serious injuries or fatalities can occur. Dehydration and hypothermia are a reality at sporting events every year. Unruly Vans: Some fans can engage in violent behavior when they become aggressive at games, especially when they have been drinking alcohol. A fight can lead to serious results, which is why innocent bystanders should always be on the lookout for aggressive spectators. Bleacher Collapse: If a bleacher collapses, there is a risk to everybody who is on the bleacher. There is a high risk of this happening if there is a lot of weight on the bleachers or the bleachers are poorly designed. Negligent Security: When there is inadequate security measures such as security guards or surveillance cameras at a sporting event, assaults and robberies can happen.Injuries to Spectators in Sporting Event Accidents
At sporting events, there is a likelihood that any number of injuries can occur in an unexpected accident. These could include any of the following:- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Head and neck injuries
- Broken bones/Fractures
- Fatalities in the most severe cases
Who is Liable for My Injuries at a Sporting Event?
Determining liability may be one of the most difficult things that you will face in your claim after a sporting event accident. Owners and operators of the venue that you are attending an event at are supposed to take reasonable measures to protect spectators from harm. Of course, there are several parties who could be liable for your accident, which include:- A venue owner
- An athlete
- An entire sports team
Damages Available in Your Case
When you have been injured at a sporting event, you may have a long road to recovery laid out before you or a variety of bills that you cannot handle on your own. Because of this, it is important to know what damages you may be able to obtain in your case. Here are some of the damages that may be available to you:- Medical expenses related to your injuries
- Medical expenses you may incur in the future due to your injuries
- Lost wages and future loss of income caused by missed time at work
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy-related costs
- Loss of companionship or consortium
What To Do After a Sporting Event Accident
Knowing what to do after a sporting event accident can help you protect your health and move forward with an injury claim in the future. If you have been hurt at a sporting event, you should take the following steps:- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not think that your injuries are serious. They could worsen over time.
- Report the injury to the venue where the accident took place.
- Gather as much evidence as possible related to your accident. These include photographs, videos, and witness statements.
- Always receive any follow-up medical care and retrieve medical documentation related to your case.