Sometimes you see it on the news. Sometimes TV coverage of a live event catches what happens. What is going on? Some sporting events that go horribly wrong and become violent, and people are injured as a result. Is there reasonable grounds for a lawsuit? If so, who do you sue? Here is what a personal injury lawyer might have to say about the matter.
People Hit with Fly Balls Have to Sign a Waiver, So...
Both major and minor league baseball teams have security that is quick to assist those who have been hit by fly balls at a ball game. What you do not see is that the injured are escorted to an office and asked to sign an injury waiver. The waiver prevents the injured party from suing the baseball league and accepts responsibility for choosing to be present at the ball game where a known incident or possible injury might occur. Most people sign this without questioning it, especially when they are treated to a meeting with the team and receive signed sports memorabilia.
However, a personal injury lawyer would tell you that you have every right to not sign that injury waiver and pursue a lawsuit, especially if the injury damages an eye socket, breaks your nose, or fractures some other part of your face. Likewise, injuries obtained at live sporting events where players and/or fans get violent also gives you the right to sue. Injuries need to produce a medical bill, so a bruise or slight cut is not enough to warrant the lawsuit.
Did You Participate in the Fighting?
Another question the lawyer will ask you is whether or not you were participating in the fighting that broke out in the stands. If you were just an innocent bystander who got hurt, you can still sue. If you were throwing punches, kicking, tackling others, and screaming or behaving badly, you can still sue for injuries. Do not be too surprised when someone else sues you, too.
Suing the Correct Party
Here is where these kinds of lawsuits really get sticky. You have to remember who assaulted you at the game. If it was a player, you have to remember which player and how that player struck you. Was it with a puck, a hockey stick, a fist, a bat, a goalie's glove, cleats, etc.? The footage of the game will confirm your story, so you have to be clear on the facts. If it was not a player, you cannot sue the player or the team. You have to sue the individual party or parties who got rowdy and violent and then hit you.
For more information, contact offices such as Nelson Fromer & Crocco Law Offices.
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