Every year, thousands of accidents happen at sporting events throughout the U.S. California is no stranger to these events, which injure many victims and even take lives when they are severe enough. From assaults to stampedes and being struck by objects, any number of events can lead to a serious accident that ends in damages to an individual. One of the most devastating accidents that can occur at a sporting event is a bleacher accident, which can injure multiple people at the same time.
At Maison Law, we offer representation to those who have sustained injuries in sporting event accidents in California. You should be able to attend a sporting event without worrying about an accident occurring and leaving you with life-altering injuries and a long road to recovery before you. We will provide you with the resources you need to successfully bring a claim and get back on your feet after an accident. Please contact us today for a free consultation that comes at no obligation to you or your family.
What Causes Bleacher Accidents at Sporting Events?
Devastating bleacher and grandstand accidents can happen within seconds due to a wide array of reasons. These include the following:
Loose Guardrails: Guardrails are beneficial on bleachers and grandstands because they help support individuals who are going up or down the bleachers. If a railing is improperly maintained or designed, it can break, which can lead to a devastating slip-and-fall accident.
Poor Design: Bleachers are not all made the same. If a set of bleachers are not aligned property, an individual could slip through the bleachers and far onto the ground below. On top of this, bleachers have been known to collapse at events due to the weight on them. Manufacturers are supposed to always build bleachers to maintain a necessary weight but this does not always happen, leading to catastrophic results.
Poor Maintenance: Over time, general wear and tear on bleachers can cause them to become weak. This makes them more prone to collapsing when any amount of weight is on them.
Common Injuries in Bleacher and Grandstand Accidents
Due to the height of bleachers and how many people could become involved in a bleacher accident, there is a high likelihood for serious injuries when one of these accidents occurs. Some of the most common injuries that stem from bleacher accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Head and neck-related injuries
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Wrongful death in the most severe cases
Because of the severity of some of these injuries, the cost of recovery can be quite high. On top of this, it is not uncommon for somebody who has sustained any of these injuries to miss out on time in the workplace. If you have been hurt in a bleacher accident at a sporting event, you may have questions about what steps you should take next.
Who is Liable for Your Bleacher Accident?
Determining liability is one of the most important aspects of moving forward with a personal injury claim. You will have to show the following to be successful in a claim against another party:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty of care through negligence
- You sustained injuries due to the breach in duty
- The injuries led to damages
There are several parties who could be to blame for a bleacher or grandstand accident, which include:
Property Owner: The property owner of a sporting event must ensure that all facilities are safe so that no accidents involving bleachers occur on their property. If the bleachers were not properly inspected and an accident occurs, the property owner could be liable.
Maintenance Company: Maintenance companies are sometimes hired by property owners to maintain bleachers and grandstands. This means that they could be liable for an accident in these areas if there were no inspections prior to an event.
Manufacturer: A manufacturer is supposed to make a safe product and ensure that the installation was done properly. If a bleacher is defective or collapses, a manufacturer could be held liable for any resulting harm.
Steps to Take After a Bleacher Accident
The steps that you take following your bleacher or grandstand accident can ensure that your claim is treated as fairly as possible. On top of this, these steps can ensure that your well-being is protected in the event of an accident:
- Call for help and report the accident.
- Receive any medical attention and follow-up care after your accident.
- Talk to witnesses about what they saw at the time of the accident, as well as retain their contact information.
- Contact your insurance company to let them know about the accident.
- Photograph the accident scene and any injuries you have suffered.
Contact a California Sporting Event Injury Lawyer
If you were a spectator at a sporting event and sustained injuries in an accident, you may be feeling helpless and alone. Owners and manufacturers are supposed to ensure the safety of bleachers and grandstands at all times. Being hurt in one of these accidents can turn your life upside-down and leave you with a variety of questions.
At Maison Law, our California sporting event injury lawyers are here to assist you as you navigate the complex legal system after an accident. We will review every aspect of your case and provide you with resources that you need to find success in your claim. Please contact us today for a full and free case consultation.
