When many think of football-related injuries, they think of the hundreds of injuries on the football field. Injuries like concussions from helmet-to-helmet contact, spinal injuries from constant hard hits, and knee and joint-related issues.
While that does occur, the injuries on-field aren’t the only dangerous thing about football season. Ohio football games are exciting events filled with passionate fans. That being said, the excitement of the game can often lead to unexpected injuries. One study found that almost 40% of fans have witnessed an incident at a stadium. What about outside of the stadium, though? As many in our communities ramp up for football season, so do settings where football-related injuries occur, such as parties, bars, tailgates, and more. If you’re injured at any of these places, legal options may be available to you in the form of a personal injury lawsuit.
Types of Football-Related Injuries
Several kinds of injuries related to football games don’t necessarily have to do with football directly. Understanding the common types of injuries that can occur and knowing your legal rights can help you navigate the aftermath of an unfortunate incident.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents occur when a wet or uneven surface causes a person traveling across it to lose their balance. It often results in sprains, fractures, concussions, and sometimes even worse. A property owner’s job is to maintain safe conditions on that property. Where do slip and fall accidents occur? When you think about it, it could be anywhere. During football season, though, large crowds existing at certain events and bars can cause property owners to be neglectful as they try to fill the immediate needs of the building. They may fail to clean up a spilled drink properly, or maybe they don’t provide adequate lighting over an uneven step. In this instance, the injured party may have grounds for a claim.
Alcohol-Related Accidents & Injuries
Many wish to enjoy the game with an ice-cold beer. But when things get out of hand, the risk of injury increases. One study found that alcohol-related injuries may be the cause of up to 40% of emergency room visits. It’s obvious, then, through science and common sense, that overconsumption of alcohol leads to impaired judgment, accidents, or altercations. Bars, party hosts, and tailgate organizers could be liable if someone gets hurt.
Perhaps the event organizer or bar owner oversaw alcohol to guests. This causes harm to others, resulting in injury. In some cases, “dram shop” laws can hold establishments accountable if an intoxicated person causes harm to themselves or others.
Car Accidents and Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of people will be arriving at and leaving the stadiums at the same time. Whether they are rushing to get to the game on time or rushing to their dinner reservation afterward, many accidents can happen in parking lots, major highways besides stadiums, and downtown areas where fans may flock to after the game. Car accidents resulting from drunk driving or distracted driving can occur, as well as pedestrian accidents where people walking to and from the stadium are hit or injured. These injuries are often serious and can result in whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, and much more. In the event of another person’s clear negligence, victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages for these crowd-related injuries.
Premises Liability Claims
A premises liability claim is similar to a slip and fall claim but can cover more than injuries related to the ground. Here are two example injuries that, under certain circumstances, could develop under premises liability claims:
- Security measures at a restaurant or bar are lacking, and disagreements between fans escalate. While the individuals could be accountable, certain event hosts may also be liable in rare cases if they fail to intervene or prevent the fight.
- Grill fires, hot coals, or improperly stored propane tanks at tailgate parties can cause burns. Those hosting the tailgate or owning the cooking equipment may be liable if proper safety measures are not taken.
I Received an Injury Surrounding a Football Game: What Should I Do?
If you are injured in an event related to a football game, what should you do? First things first, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Not only is your safety a top priority, but you may not have a claim if you don’t get medical attention. Going to the ER or a clinic provides medical documentation of your injuries, which is crucial if you try to claim compensation.
On the note of documentation, you will want to take photos of the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and, in the case of a premises liability claim, potentially have another in your group let the property owners know that the injury occurred if they don’t know already. If an official report is filed, obtain a copy for your records. In the case of a premises liability or slip and fall accident, make sure you take lots of pictures and videos of the area, even of things that are seemingly unimportant.
Last but most certainly not least, you will want to retain an experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer as fast as possible. The sooner, the better. They will assist you with assessing the situation, determine liability, and guide you through the legal process if you have a claim.
Experienced Attorneys in Ohio for Football-Related Injuries
Nothing puts a dampener on game day like an unexpected injury. If you’ve experienced a football-related injury, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal advice to ensure that you receive the compensation and support you deserve. Oliver Law Office is more than a group of attorneys; we’re a client-focused firm dedicated to your needs. Your initial consultation for a personal injury claim will not cost you anything. If you think you may have a case, please feel free to contact us.
