Maison Law represents those that have been hurt in accidents in Monterey. It’s an unfortunate part of daily life, but the fact is that you or a loved one can be hurt virtually anywhere in the city, including at venues like Cardinale Stadium. No matter what the circumstances are, our Monterey personal injury lawyers can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
When Would You Need a Lawyer?
Although it’s designed for soccer games and other events, Cardinale Stadium has the same responsibility as any other business in Monterey. Namely, it has to keep its property safe and free of hazards. This doesn’t always happen, and it frequently causes accidents and injuries.
But when do you need a lawyer? The answer depends on the circumstances. If your injuries are minor, you probably don’t need to worry about working with a lawyer. However, the more hurt you are, the more help you’ll need, including legally.
Our team can help by explaining your rights, investigating what happened, helping you gather important evidence, then guiding you through the legal process. More than anything, we want to make the process easier for you and your family. We do that by letting you focus on your health while we handle the legal side of things.
What’s the Claims Process Like After a Cardinale Stadium Accident?
When you have an accident or get hurt at Cardinale Stadium, legally it falls under something called “premises liability.” This means the responsibility for what happened lies with whoever owns or manages the property. The first step in dealing with this is figuring out who’s to blame. The stadium’s management itself will likely bear a large part of the responsibility, but it depends on what exactly happened.
Responsibility is decided based on whether the stadium did what they should have to keep you safe while you were there. If they didn’t fix known problems or didn’t do something they should have, like not having enough security, they’re at fault. Other people or companies might also be responsible, like:
- Other people in the crowd
- Stadium staff
- Security personnel
- Maintenance workers
- Product or food manufacturers
- Architects that designed the stadium
Once you know who’s responsible, you can start the process of making a claim. This usually means dealing with insurance or taking legal action, or sometimes both. Making an insurance claim is quicker and less formal, but the insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible. Going to court takes more time and effort, but it can lead to a higher payout because it’s decided by a judge and jury. This financial support is called “damages.”
What Are Your Damages in a Stadium Accident?
There’s two ways to look at the damage that can come from an accident at Cardinale Stadium. First, there’s your injuries from the actual accident, which can vary widely depending on what happened. Then, there’s the actual legal damages that you can recover under the law. Both of these are closely related, but again, it depends on the circumstances and what happened. Even if you’re partly to blame, you can still get financial support to help cover things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses, if the injuries are fatal
- Punitive damages, in cases of intentional harm
As with any claim, what actually happened and how hurt you are is going to determine how much support you can get in damages. But it’s also on you to do things to protect your claim and file it on time. You have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim.
What Are Some Common Accidents That Can Happen at Cardinale Stadium?
Accidents can be uncertain, but they can be particularly tough at a stadium because lots of different things can happen. These accidents might include slipping and falling or even being involved in criminal incidents like assaults or robberies. Generally, though, some of the more common accidents at Cardinale Stadium include things like:
- Slip and falls – Spilled drinks, food, or rainwater can create slippery surfaces, leading to slips and falls.
- Crowd surges – Large crowds moving quickly can cause people to trip or get pushed, leading to injuries.
- Structural issues – Poorly maintained seating, stairs, or walkways can collapse or break, causing accidents.
- Falling objects – Items thrown from upper levels, signage, or even structural elements can fall and injure people below.
- Overcrowding – Going over the stadium’s capacity can lead to unsafe conditions, making it harder to clear out in emergencies.
- Lack of security or crowd control – Lack of proper crowd control measures or security screenings can result in altercations or violence.
- Alcohol and substance use – Overconsumption of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Equipment malfunctions – Malfunctioning stadium equipment like elevators, escalators, or lighting can cause accidents.
- Criminal acts – Unfortunately, stadiums can be targets for criminal activities, especially assaults and robberies.
Remember, it’s not just about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond. So, no matter what the nature of your accident is, it’s vital to know what you need to do.
What You Need to Do After an Accident in Cardinale Stadium
Being hurt in any type of accident is difficult enough on its own, but when it happens at a place like Cardinale Stadium, it can leave you feeling even more helpless. Despite the stadium’s best efforts, it’s challenging to keep watch on thousands of people at one time. Regardless, when an accident happens, it’s important to do a few things to protect your health and claim:
- Get to safety and check for injuries – First, check yourself and others involved for any injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services for medical help. Cardinale Stadium will probably have first aid available, but it’s a good idea to also call an ambulance.
- Tell the staff – Report the accident to stadium personnel as soon as possible. They should be trained to handle emergencies and can provide assistance.
- Document what happened – Take photos of the accident scene, including any injuries or damage. This is vital evidence for your claim.
- Exchange information – If others are involved, exchange contact details and any insurance information. This will be necessary for filing insurance claims.
- Get an incident report – Ask stadium staff for an incident report form and provide detailed information about what happened.
- Get further medical care – Even if injuries seem minor, it’s vital to seek medical care right away. Some of your injuries might not show up right away, but could worsen if not taken care of. So, go to a doctor or hospital to get checked out once you leave the stadium.
- Keep your records – Keep track of any medical treatments or repairs needed due to the accident. Stay in touch with the stadium and your insurance company for a smooth resolution.
Every accident is unique, but these steps will at least take care of any immediate injuries and has the added benefit of protecting and strengthening your potential claim. But also remember that the more hurt you are, the more difficult things can be. That’s when you can rely on our experienced team for support.
Contact Maison Law After an Accident at Cardinale Stadium
When you go to Cardinale Stadium, you probably don’t expect to be injured in an accident. However, this is something that can, and sometimes does, happen. When it does, you have legal rights, but you need the right support. Our Monterey personal injury lawyers at Maison Law will be there to help you. We’ll guide you through the claims process and will make sure you have what you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in an accident at Cardinale Stadium.
