Attending a sporting event is one of many ways that people choose to enjoy their time. However, there are times where a spectator is injured while visiting a sports arena. If an injury occurs during a sporting event, the injured party must determine whether they could hold the owner of the venue liable for their injury. If you or a family member was injured while attending a sporting event, contact an experienced Philadelphia sports injury attorney.
With over 40 years of combined legal experience, the Reiff Law Firm is here to help you file a case against a negligent property owner. Our firm is not intimidated by the idea of taking on large sports teams to fight for the compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
Liability for an Injury at a Sporting Event in Philadelphia
The last scenario you expect when attending an event for your favorite sport is that you will leave the venue in an ambulance. Unfortunately, some fans become victims of serious injuries while simply watching a sporting event.
Determining who to hold liable for an injury at a sporting event will involve several different factors. One important factor is whether the owner of the venue placed a disclaimer on the ticket that you purchased. A disclaimer on a sports ticket generally states that a spectator at a sporting event assumes the inherent risks of being injured while watching a sports event. For example, if you attended a Sixers game and sat courtside, the owner of the venue expects that you are aware that players may jump into the stands when trying to keep the ball in bounds.
Whether or not you noticed that your ticket had a disclaimer, you will likely be considered to have entered into a contract with the venue that you assumed the risk of injury.
Pennsylvania also uses the “no duty rule” when determining liability for an injury at a sporting event. The “no duty rule” states that a property owner is not liable for injuries to spectators despite whether the spectator is seated in a high-risk area. For example, if you sit behind home plate at a baseball game, there is a higher chance of being struck with a foul ball. The owner of the venue may not have to take steps to protect spectators in this area.
Other scenarios where a person could be injured at a sporting event include:
- Being struck with a hockey puck, basketball, or similar objects
- Being struck with equipment that lands in the stands
It is important to note that injuries that occur due to a player’s or venue employee’s intentional actions may not be subject to the “no duty rule.” For example, if a player runs into the stands and starts a fight with a spectator, this may not be covered by the “no duty rule.” Additionally, if a spectator is injured because of some property defect in the arena, they cannot be held to assume the risk of an unknown danger. For example, if a spectator slips on a wet floor that was not properly marked, this may result in the property owner being liable for the accident.
To learn more about filing a lawsuit for an injury at a sporting event, continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney.
When to File a Lawsuit for a Sports Event Accident
If you want to file a lawsuit after suffering an injury at a sporting event, our firm is here for you. As a potential plaintiff, you should be aware of the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations sets the amount of time that a plaintiff has to file a certain type of case. For example, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident in Pennsylvania.
Failure to file your case within the allotted timeframe can result in the court barring your claim. However, there are other benefits to filing your case early, so you should not delay in speaking with a lawyer.
Our firm can also help you determine which party can be held liable for your injury at the sporting event.
Work with Our Skilled Philadelphia Sporting Event Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a family member was severely injured while attending a sporting event, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today. The Reiff Law Firm is here to offer you the legal representation you deserve for your injury case. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
