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Who Is Liable After I Get Injured in the South Florida Stadium?

Who Is Liable After I Get Injured in the South Florida Stadium?

Were you injured at the Hard Rock Stadium, the Raymond James Stadium, LoanDepot Park, or another South Florida stadium? If so, you may be wondering who is liable if you get injured at a stadium. In some instances, the stadium owner may be liable for your injuries. 

However, other parties could be liable or share liability for a personal injury claim, including the event organizer, vendors, and security companies.

Lawsuit Against the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium Headed to Arbitration

CBS News reports that a lawsuit filed by a fan against the Miami Dolphins and the operator of the Hard Rock Stadium will go to arbitration, according to the 3rd District Court of Appeal. Cameron Engwiller filed the lawsuit in 2022 after she was injured attending a game. She sustained injuries during a fight among fans in the stadium.

The attorneys for South Florida Stadium, LLC, and the Miami Dolphins argued that the matter should go to arbitration instead of a jury trial. They said that the ticket terms required mandatory arbitration. Even though Ms. Engwiller’s mother received electronic tickets for the game, she was bound by the terms of the ticket, which her mother had agreed to when accessing the tickets.

The order stated that arbitration agreements are designed to promote efficient dispute resolution. Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The parties agree to have their case heard by a neutral arbitrator out of court. The arbitrator’s ruling is binding on all parties. ADR can be less expensive and quicker than trying a lawsuit in court.

Who Is Responsible for Damages and Injuries Caused by a Stadium Injury in Florida?

Most property owners are liable if someone is injured on their property because of the owner’s negligence. Therefore, the owner of the stadium is generally liable for damages if the injured party can prove the legal elements of a premises liability claim.

However, other parties may share liability for the damages. The event organizer, the sports team, entertainers, vendors, security companies, attendees, and other parties may share liability for the claim. For example, suppose you were injured at a stadium because of a faulty stairwell. The designer and/or builder could be liable for damages.

Determining the correct parties to sue for a stadium injury is crucial. The parties directly and proximately responsible for your injuries can be held liable for economic and non-economic damages.

Assuming Risk When Attending an Event at a Stadium

Fans may assume some risk when they attend an event at a stadium. For example, if you are at a baseball game, a foul ball might strike you in the stands. Likewise, you may be hit by a hockey puck at a hockey game.

If an attendee is injured because of an obvious danger that is part of an event, the stadium and other parties may not be liable for damages. However, there could be circumstances that make the injury outside of the usual scope of risk for an event. 

Always speak with a personal injury attorney if the parties refuse to accept liability for an injury at a stadium.

Common Causes of Injuries at South Florida Stadiums

Attendees can be injured at a stadium in numerous ways. Common reasons for accidents and injuries at Florida stadiums include, but are not limited to:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Flying objects
  • Altercations and fights
  • Crowd crushes, stampedes, and overcrowding
  • Parking lot accidents
  • Faulty elevators and escalators
  • Stairwell accidents
  • Food poisoning

Attendees at events can reduce their risk of being injured by remaining alert during the event. Taking time when walking up and down stairs and monitoring alcohol consumption can also help prevent accidents.

Steps to Take After a Stadium Accident in South Florida

If you are injured while at a South Florida stadium, you could be entitled to compensation. The steps you take after a stadium accident could improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

Steps to take after a stadium injury include:

  • Gather evidence at the scene, including asking witnesses for their contact information, taking photographs of the scene, and making a video with your cell phone.
  • Seek immediate medical treatment from the stadium’s medical team, emergency medical services, or the hospital. Keep all follow-up appointments and adhere to your treatment plan.
  • Report the injury to the stadium owner and/or operator as soon as possible. Request a copy of the written report.
  • Document everything to do with the injury, including medical bills, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering.

It is also wise to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help you protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim. 

Contact the Miami Personal Injury Lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers For More Help

An Aventura personal injury lawyer has the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate your claim and identify the responsible parties. An attorney also gathers evidence to prove the at-fault party owed you a duty of care and breached the duty of care, which are two essential elements of a premises liability or negligence claim.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami personal injury lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191

Open 24 hours

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