Spectators are frequently injured at sports events in and near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Foul balls and flying bats can cause serious head injuries at baseball games. Wayward pucks can damage eyes and noses at hockey matches.
At the races, automobiles explode and catch fire, sending heavy metal parts shooting into the crowd.
Die-hard fans will tell you that these dangerous encounters only bring them closer to their beloved sport, and that risking injury is a small price to pay for a live experience.
However, can victims of sports assault and battery in Oklahoma sue for their injuries?
The answer depends upon the circumstances.
FAQ: Sports Assault and Battery in Oklahoma
Many stadiums and arenas now include a waiver of liability on the back of each ticket stating that attendees have assumed the risk of any injury that could take place during the game.
Courts tend to honor these waivers, finding that sports fans are fully aware of any potential harm to their life and wellbeing while attending these events.
However, occasionally a sports fan is injured outside the foreseeable areas of assumed risk in a stadium or arena.
It can be as a result of blatant sports assault and battery in Oklahoma, or unexpected circumstances.
For example, sometimes a fan is injured as a bystander to a drunken fight among tailgaters in the parking lot before a football game.
Or, perhaps, an innocent fan is struck by a stray fist when opposing baseball teams erupt into a brawl inside the stadium.
Can a spectator sue if he suffers a brain injury when walloped by a ball while waiting in line to purchase a beer?
Many courts will find that injuries sustained outside the foreseeable areas of risk at a sports event are litigable. Therefore, the victim may recover damages for his injuries.
This is because the spectator cannot and should not foresee stray balls or flying sports equipment in areas of the stadium not designated for the playing the actual sport.
Thus, he has not assumed a risk and has not waived any right to sue the stadium owner or the team for failing to protect him from these harms.
Free Consultation: Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorney
To find out if you might be entitled to compensation for injuries obtained at a sports event, contact the Oklahoma personal injury attorney at the Personal Injury Law Office of Tulsa today.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (918) 924-5528 or send your question using the email form on this page.
