Hockey rinks are surrounded by protective glass which shield most spectators from errant pucks
Our last post featured a discussion of “Assumption of Risk”. In terms of the fans at a sporting event, this doctrine holds that a spectator knows, fully understands, and assumes the risk inherent in watching a live sporting event. Therefore, according to Herndon Virginia Injury Attorney Doug Landau, a lawsuit can be an uphill battle for an injured spectator. There are very few claims for sports fans being struck and injured.
Two sports where spectator accidents and claims for injuries and death have been brought are hockey and
baseball. The protective netting and other precautions in National Hockey League (NHL) rinks are pretty consistent throughout the league, thus setting the standard of care for the teams and rink owners. For hockey fans, proving one of two potential arguments could possibly make a for a winning case:
- the standard of care is inadequate, or
- a defect in materials or installation of the protective netting was the cause of an injury
Absent these, however, Assumption of Risk is at play (no pun intended!) and neither the team nor the rink is likely to be held responsible for a spectator’s injury.
The standard of care at a baseball stadium differs from that of an ice arena. Fans who like the view from the 1st or 3rd baseline are unprotected from foul balls that come back at a sharp angle since the only protective netting in a baseball stadium is directly behind home plate. The only argument possible here, then, is regarding the standard of care. If you or someone you know has been injured while watching a sporting event and there are questions as to what laws apply,
email or call the Herndon Virginia law firm Abrams Landau, Ltd. (703-796-9555).
