Attending a sports event is a chance to support your favorite team with fellow fans. However, along with the excitement of a live game, there’s a risk of injury.
Injuries at a stadium or sports facility can dampen spirits and, in some cases, have long-term implications. It’s important to understand your rights and the steps to take if you or a loved one gets injured at an event.
Common Causes of Injuries in Sports Facilities
Injuries at stadiums are common. From slips and falls due to poorly maintained facilities to being struck by equipment like balls, accidents certainly happen. Other common causes include fights among spectators, inadequate security measures, and structural failures. The responsibility for these injuries often lies with the management of the sports facility.
Establishing Liability
Premises liability law dictates that the owners and operators of stadiums and sports facilities have a duty to ensure the safety of their patrons. This involves regular maintenance of the facilities, following adequate security measures, and providing warnings of potential hazards. To establish liability for an injury sustained at a sports facility, you’ll need to prove that:
- The premises were in an unsafe condition that the owner/management was or should have been aware of.
- The owner/management failed to take reasonable steps to fix the situation or warn patrons.
- This failure directly resulted in the injury.
Demonstrating liability can be challenging, as facility owners often employ several defensive arguments. They may argue that the injured party was aware of and accepted the risks (assumption of risk) or that the incident occurred due to the injured party’s own negligence.
Assumption of Risk
In sports settings, the assumption of risk is a commonly encountered principle. It suggests that by participating in or attending an event, you accept certain inherent risks. For example, you would accept the risk of being hit by a stray ball during a baseball game.
However, this doesn’t give facilities a carte blanche to neglect their duty of care. They’re still required to minimize risks that are not inherent to the sport, and they can be liable for injuries that happen in their facility.
What to Do If Injured
If you or a loved one is ever injured at a stadium or sports facility, take the following steps to build a case, make a claim, and get the compensation you deserve:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting any injuries assessed and treated. Documentation from healthcare providers will also serve as evidence should you pursue a claim.
- Report the Incident: Ensure the incident is officially reported to the facility management. This not only creates a formal record of the event but also alerts them to potential safety issues.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the location where the injury occurred, noting any hazardous conditions. Also, gather the names and contact information of witnesses who can corroborate your account.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep track of medical treatments and receipts, and maintain any physical evidence related to the incident.
- Consult Nowlan Personal Injury: Before starting a detailed discussion with the facility or their insurance company, speak with a qualified attorney. We can advise you on your rights, and the viability of your claim. We will also navigate the claim process on your behalf.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
Compensation in these cases may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, obtaining fair compensation isn’t always straightforward. Sports facilities and their insurers are well-versed in defending against personal injury claims, often attempting to settle for the least amount possible.
Nowlan Personal Injury lawyers can level the playing field. We thoroughly investigate the incident, gather compelling evidence, and negotiate with the facility and insurers. If necessary, we are also prepared to take the case to court to ensure just compensation is awarded.
Contact Us To Learn More
While injuries at a stadium or sports facility can unexpectedly turn a day of fun into a distressing ordeal, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you take the next steps after an injury. We’ll offer more clarity, alleviate the burden of dealing with complex legal and insurance processes, and significantly improve the outcome of your claim. Contact us to learn more.
