Anything can happen at a sports game – from a hockey puck flying into a crowd to a foul ball being struck in baseball. This means that an exciting day out at a sporting event can turn into a nightmare for an unsuspecting spectator. If you have been struck by a hockey puck or a foul ball in a crowd at a sporting event, you may wonder if you can bring a claim after you have suffered from serious injuries.
At Maison Law, our lawyers offer representation to victims of sporting event accidents and injuries in California. We understand that the injuries that you have sustained can follow you through life and impact everything you do. As you navigate the legal system, we will stand by your side to ensure that your rights are being protected. Please contact us for more information on your claim and a totally free legal consultation.
Understanding What is Known as the “Baseball Rule”
Specifically in cases involving a foul ball, you may find that it is difficult to bring a personal injury claim. This is because of what is essentially known as the “baseball rule,” which applies to these specific cases. This doctrine first came about in the early 1900s and provides protection from personal injury claims to major league baseball teams.
Since this rule came into place, ticketholders have been told that they assume any risk and danger that stems from a baseball game. This means that, if you are attending a baseball game, it is difficult to sue a team for any injuries that you have sustained.
What is the Sports Stadium’s Duty of Care?
Even though rules are in place to protect baseball teams from liability, what about liability as it pertains to the owner of a sports stadium? Stadiums could still be liable for an accident that could have otherwise been prevented involving a hockey puck or another type of ball entering the crowd at a sports game.
For instance, if there is a hole in the netting at a sports game, this could be the stadium’s fault. The stadium owners and maintenance crews are supposed to use proper netting and ensure that it is in working condition before every game. A hole could imply that the netting was not properly maintained, which could lead to liability. The same could be said for faulty equipment that breaks and flies off into the crowd, leading to serious injuries.
Though it is true that you assume certain risks when you attend a sporting event, such as a foul ball, there are some risks that are unexpected. When a freak accident occurs such as a ball flying through a small tear in a net, this is not something that you account for. It also means that you may be able to prove stadium liability and move forward with a claim.
Proving Liability in Your Claim
If you were struck by a ball or a puck at a sporting event, you will need to show that another party is liable for your accident. A stadium could be held liable for negligence if they have failed to take actions that can protect you during the event. Some of these negligent acts include the following:
- Not abiding by federal requirements set in place for nets
- Failing to make repairs to a broken net
- Failing to offer shelter for seating in risky areas of a stadium
If the stadium knew about a risk and did nothing to prevent or fix the issue, they could be liable for the injuries an individual sustains on the property. It is important to know your legal rights after a sporting event accident.
Receiving Financial Support After a Sporting Event Injury
If you were struck at a sporting event and believe that another party is liable for your injuries, you have legal options for recovery. Some of the damages that you may be able to obtain in your case include:
- Medical expenses you have suffered due to your injury
- Future medical costs related to your care
- Lost income and future loss of earnings due to missed time at work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Punitive damages, in some limited cases
Contact a California Sporting Event Injury Lawyer
If you have experienced an accident that led to injuries at a sporting event, you have options. Our California sporting event injury lawyers at Maison Law are here to offer you the protection that is necessary to move forward with a successful claim. We will help ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company. You have options during these difficult times. Please contact us for assistance and a no-obligation case review.
