If you have been to a professional football game, you know how rowdy fans can get. In fact, it is part of the experience. FedEx Field has long had a reputation for its poor and even dangerous conditions. Four New Jersey sports fans are suing the Commanders, FedEx Field, and a number of other parties after a railing collapsed at the end of the game, sending the fans as well as heavy and dangerous debris falling from a significant height.

Injuries to the FedEx Field Sports Fans

The fans are alleging that they have each suffered at least $75,000 in damages as a result of the railing collapse. The fans allege that they have suffered serious injuries as a result of this accident and that the harm should have been preventable. The individuals have reported suffering injuries including cervical and muscle strains, contusions and lacerations, head injuries, ongoing headaches, and long-term physical and emotional harm.

Who is Liable for the Accident?

Accidents happen, but if the harm was reasonably foreseeable and preventable, then someone may be liable for causing the accident to occur. The question, in this case, is whether the harm the fans suffered was reasonably foreseeable or if they were negligent in causing an accident that otherwise would not have occurred. Liability experts have stated that it is common for sports fans to try and rush and lean toward the tunnel at the end of football games in order to get the attention of football players and to try and get high-fives and wristbands that the players sometimes throw at them. They emphasize that this is part of every game, so it is clearly foreseeable. This means that it is possible for the plaintiffs to argue that the railings should have been built in order to withstand and support this force. The weak railings also put the athletes at risk. In fact, one of the athletes was almost struck by the debris and falling bodies when the railing collapsed. The defendants will likely argue that they are not liable for the injuries and will try to pin the blame on the rowdy behavior of the sports fans.

Bringing a Sports Fan Injury Lawsuit

The first thing that the New Jersey football fans will have to establish is that the defendants (including the Commanders and FedEx Field) were negligent. This means that they will have to demonstrate that the defendants breached the duty of reasonable care that they owed to the fans. They may be able to demonstrate this if they can show that the defendants were aware that the railing could not safely function or support the weight of fans. This railing was responsible for keeping fans from falling from a significant height so it is important that it functions effectively and meets certain safety requirements. If it can be shown that the defendants ignored these safety requirements or failed to pay proper attention or care in implementing them, the plaintiffs may be able to succeed in their claim.

Once they have established negligence, the plaintiffs (sports fans) will also have to show that the defendant’s negligence was the cause of the accident and their injuries. It is critical that they are able to establish a causal link between the defendant’s negligent actions and their own physical and financial injuries.

Damages for Sports Fan Injuries

If the football fans are successful in their personal injury claim, they will be able to recover damages for the injuries that they suffered as a result of the railing collapse at FedEx Field. They may be entitled to compensation for all financial harm suffered as a result of the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. They will also be able to receive compensation for the pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident.

Schedule a Consultation With Smith & William Law Firm Today

If you have suffered an injury at FedEx Field or another professional sporting event in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Smith & William Law Firm in Westfield, New Jersey, today, to schedule a consultation and find out how much your claim may be worth.