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:

1. the standard of care is inadequate, or
2. 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).