Stadium Premises Liability for Football Season
Fall means football and the DMV has no shortage of options for fans. Between the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens, along with the Maryland Terrapins and Navy Midshipmen division I college football programs, fall weekends in our region are sure to resound with action and fun. Stands are sure to be packed and crowds are sure to be roaring, but how can you ensure a safe time is had by all? Today’s Malloy Law blog post will examine and explain sports stadium premises liability.
Understanding Your Rights While Attending a Sporting Event
If you pay attention to the fine print on the average event ticket, you may notice that the language is remarkably similar to a liability waiver. This is meant to inform you, as well as all other guests on the premises, of dangers which the owners and operators of the venue simply cannot account for. This is merely due to the chaotic nature of sports. If, for instance, you attend a baseball game, you’ll likely see a message on the jumbotron warning you to stay alert, as balls can leave the playing area at high speeds. For instance: league regulations require baseball stadiums to hang nets to mitigate the danger that a batted ball may strike and injure a spectator, but there’s no guarantee that these measures will be universally effective.
Common Stadium Premises Liability Hazards in Sports Arenas
The chaotic, uncontrollable circumstances which may result from the action on the field do not absolve the various companies and contractors involved in operating your average sports stadium from the duty of maintaining a facility fit for human habitation.
Sports arenas and stadiums are designed to accommodate thousands of people at once, and that heavy foot traffic can create numerous opportunities for accidents. From the parking lot to the upper-level seating areas, property owners and operators must take reasonable steps to identify and address dangerous conditions.
Some common hazards that may lead to injuries include:
- Wet or slippery floors: Spilled drinks, food, rainwater, and recently cleaned surfaces can cause slip and fall accidents, particularly in crowded concourses and concession areas.
- Unsafe stairs and walkways: Broken steps, loose handrails, uneven flooring, inadequate lighting, or poorly marked changes in elevation can cause serious falls.
- Crowded entrances and exits: Large groups moving through narrow spaces can increase the risk of falls, crushing injuries, and other crowd-related accidents.
- Defective seats and railings: Loose seats, damaged guardrails, and improperly maintained barriers can cause spectators to fall or suffer other injuries.
- Escalator and elevator hazards: Poorly maintained mechanical equipment can cause falls, entrapment injuries, or sudden movements that put passengers at risk.
- Falling objects: Items dropped from upper seating levels, unsecured equipment, signs, or other objects may strike spectators below.
- Parking lot and garage hazards: Potholes, inadequate lighting, damaged pavement, poorly maintained stairs, and unsafe pedestrian routes can create risks before visitors even enter the arena.
- Inadequate security: Fights, disorderly crowds, or other foreseeable security problems may result in injuries when appropriate security measures are not in place.
- Weather-related conditions: Outdoor stadiums and surrounding walkways may become dangerous because of rain, snow, ice, extreme heat, or other weather conditions.
The Duty of Care in Stadium Premises Liability
Not every injury at a sporting event automatically makes the arena owner or operator responsible. Premises liability cases generally depend on factors such as how the accident occurred, who controlled the area, whether a dangerous condition existed, and whether the responsible party knew or reasonably should have known about the hazard.
Because conditions inside a busy arena can change quickly, evidence may also disappear soon after an accident. Spills can be cleaned, broken equipment can be repaired, and surveillance footage may eventually be overwritten. Injured spectators should report an accident promptly and, when possible, photograph the hazard and obtain contact information from witnesses.
How Malloy Law Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while attending a sporting event, Malloy Law can help. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys will evaluate your case free of charge and plot a path to maximum compensation on your behalf. Our dedicated, multilingual staff is standing by to take your call. Contact Malloy Law today and let’s win your case.