When you hear a coach say, “Keep your eye on the ball.” The advice may be to the players … and to the fans.
Here is why.
As a rule, the law says if there are inherent dangers in watching a sport and you decide to attend, you are responsible for any injury. So, if you get hit by a football, sorry for your luck.
If you like football, and I do, here is some good news. It is not the most dangerous sport for fans.
The following may not surprise you, but the riskiest is hockey. An article published in 2000 stated that in 127 National Hockey League games, a puck injured 122 fans – 30 required stitches, and roughly 60 went to an emergency room.
The next most dangerous sport for fans is baseball, with racing and golf following behind. Here is my observation. The sport is potentially hazardous if you routinely see a ball, puck, or … tire enter the crowd.
Now, other laws cover other stadium injuries. Alabama slip and fall laws are in effect whether you are cheering or shopping. Stadiums are required to provide a safe environment, just like any other business in our state. If the stadium operators are found negligent, you can collect on medical expenses (past and future), your lost wages, pain & suffering, and so much more.
In closing, let me add that you can’t go hitting people who cheer for the wrong team. That is a whole different set of laws and could mean jail time.
If you suffer from an accident – car, boat, on-the-job, slip and fall, nursing home abuse, etc. – you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie (251) 666-1212. Remember that it is free. We want to help you.
Join us on Sunday night for a shortened NBC 15 LawCall show here in Mobile. We are taking a break during football season but will return to our 30-minute show in January. All this fall, we have been putting aside a few extra hours on Monday mornings to answer any of your legal questions. Just call our office.
Allen Ritchie
Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer