Assumption of Risk Doctrine
A live sports event is a very common leisure for a lot of people, especially those who are sports fans, but it can also come with several unexpected risks. These spectators might find themselves in the path of a baseball, a rogue hockey puck, or even an overzealous fan.
One of the primary legal doctrines in these cases is the “assumption of risk”. This doctrine provides that when a person or individual buys a ticket to watch a certain sporting event, they accept the inherent risk of being projected by a baseball being hit by a home runner or a basketball player who jumps way too hard to catch the ball. Courts often uphold this doctrine, thus making it difficult to claim negligence on the part of the team or stadium operators for injuries caused by the sport itself. Injured at a live sports event? Contact a personal injury lawyer in Warwick to navigate the complexities of assumption of risk and pursue rightful compensation for your injuries amidst the excitement of the game.
Negligence and Duty of Care
However, the assumption of risk doctrine does not shield stadium operators from liability. They are still required to maintain a certain standard of care to ensure the safety and avoid sports spectator injury during the game. This includes the following:
- installing protective netting;
- providing adequate security; and
- ensuring that the facilities are safe and well-maintained.
If a sports spectator is injured due to the carelessness of the administrator in a stadium, it can be considered as grounds for a claim. Such as when ineffectively kept up structures are the cause of these incidents.
In some cases, sports spectator injury might be caused by defective products. sIt can be because of faulty seats or railings. If such is the case, product liability laws could come into play. If it is proven that a defective product caused the injury, the manufacturer, and potentially the team or stadium, could be held liable.
For these types of cases, consulting with a personal injury attorney is crucial to determine the viability of a case. Having a lawyer can greatly help and guide you through your case and make you understand the possibilities as well as the consequences when you decide to pursue the claim.
While the assumption of risk doctrine provides significant protection for teams and stadium operators, it is not absolute. Spectators have the right to expect a reasonable level of safety. Some injuries can be attributed to negligence or a preventable issue, hence seeking legal advice is a prudent step.
