When you attend a sports event, you are taking on some risk. However, there are still situations in which you can get hurt and the owner or manager of the stadium could be held responsible for it. When you go to a baseball game you expect that there will be foul balls hit into the stands. What you do not expect is that a broken handrail will cause you or a loved one to fall down the stairs. If this kind of accident happens, then you may be able to sue. A New York slip and fall lawyer from our firm can help you figure out if you have a case.
What Risks Are Assumed at a Sports Event?
Usually, when you buy a ticket to a sports event, you are assuming some kind of risk. We already mentioned foul balls, but something like getting hit by a loose hockey puck could also fall under this. You know that there is a chance, albeit a small one, that such a thing can happen when you buy a ticket to a game.
However, does that mean that the venue or owner is automatically free from guilt when someone does get hurt? Not necessarily. Let’s say that there are plastic barriers or netting that separate the field, court, or rink from the spectators. Now let’s say one part of this barrier needs repairs. The owner of the stadium knows that repairs need to be done, but they do not take care of it. If that barrier fails and someone does get injured by a game ball or puck, they might be held liable for the damage caused.
What Other Kinds of Injuries Can Occur at Sports Events?
That is not the only kind of situation in which a venue owner could be held accountable for dangerous situations at their stadium. Other types of accidents happen at sports events and a variety of hazards could be to blame. Common problems include:
- Broken seats
- Dangerous stairways
- Poorly maintained walkways
- Damaged escalators or elevators
- Leaks and wet, slippery floors
- Poor lighting
- Missing handrails and other safety features
- Rowdy or drunk fans who are not properly dealt with by security
A venue owner or the company responsible for safety at a stadium could be held accountable for any of the above issues. You assumed some risk in coming to a sports event, but you are still owed a duty of care. You should not have to worry about slipping and falling, being hurt by other fans, or getting injured on broken walkways.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you believe that you have a personal injury case on your hands, you do not have to sue for damages all by yourself. Contact Zlotolow & Associates and we would be happy to schedule a consultation where we could tell you more about how we can be of assistance.
