NYC Attorney for Injuries Sustained at a Sporting Event
A sporting event is a place where fans can go to watch their favorite players perform at the highest skill level. However, many people do not expect the possibility of being drawn into the game while spectating. This is exactly what happens when a fan is injured due to an unexpected event that happens in the sports arena. If you or a family member was seriously injured at a sporting event, contact an experienced NYC sports injury attorney.
Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP are prepared to offer you the unique and aggressive legal representation that you deserve to pursue compensation for your injury. The owner of a sports venue should not be permitted to escape liability by simply claiming that an injury was part of the risk of watching the game. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300, or contact us online.
Sports Arena Liability for Injuries
Watching your favorite sports players perform at the highest level is one of the most entertaining parts of attending a sporting event. Attending a sporting event to watch your children or family members play can also be a joy. However, there is a threat of possible injury for people attending an arena that has not been adequately outfitted to protect spectators.
Sports Ticket Disclaimer
When purchasing a ticket to attend a sports event at an arena, the owner of the venue will typically insert a disclaimer on your ticket. The disclaimer explains the liabilities of the venue and your rights when it comes to being injured at a sporting event. Generally, most disclaimers will state that you assume the inherent risks of attending a particular type of sporting event. For example, the possibility of being struck with a puck at a hockey game.
It is important to note that even if you did not read or were completely unaware of the disclaimer, you may have still entered into a contract with the owner of the venue.
The Baseball Rule
When examining the case of an injury at a sporting event, New York courts may utilize the baseball rule. The baseball rule states that a property owner may have a duty to protect spectators that sit in a high-risk area of the arena. For example, the seating behind home plate at a baseball game may require a net to catch baseballs due to the frequency of high-speed foul balls that enter that area.
However, it may be difficult to protect a spectator that is in certain areas of an arena. For example, if a spectator is courtside at a basketball game, there is little that can be done to protect them from a player suddenly entering the stands while trying to make a play. This means that spectators in certain areas of an area will have to assume the risk of being injured in certain instances.
Intentional Attempts to Injure a Spectator
Most spectator injuries occur because of an unintentional act. A baseball player is likely not planning to hit a home run in order to hit a certain spectator in the stands. However, when a spectator injury occurs due to an intentional action by a player or an employee of the property owner, this may trigger liability for the individual and their employer. For example, if a player throws a basketball at a fan intending to hurt them, the spectator will have a valid claim for injuries.
Premises Liability Issues
Additionally, the property owner of a sports arena can still be held liable for injuries that stem from a property hazard that should have been corrected. For example, if a spectator trips and falls on a staircase because of a broken step, the property owner may be liable for that injury.
There are other premises liability issues where a spectator does not have to assume the risk of injury:
- Slippery or wet floors
- Unstable seating
- Faulty handrails
- Malfunctioning elevator or escalator
This is not an exhaustive list. If you were injured at a sporting event, you should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the parties that caused your injuries. You should not have to bear the burden of a serious injury because the owner of a venue simply states you have assumed all the risks of watching a sporting event. Our firm is here to help you explore options to pursue your claim.
Work with Our Experienced NYC Sporting Event Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a family member was injured at a sports arena, contact an experienced NYC personal injury lawyer. Our legal team possesses over 30 years of combined legal experience, and we would be honored to use this experience to represent you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300.