In 2011 San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow attended the Major League Baseball Opening Day game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Witnesses reported seeing men taunt Stow during the rivalry game. At the end of the night, the taunts violently escalated when two men brutally beat Stow in the stadium parking lot.
The Horrific Injuries Bryan Stow Suffered
The attack and Stow’s injuries became shocking headline news. His skull fractured, and the bleeding and bruising in his head swelled in both frontal lobes. He needed a tracheotomy to breathe and a feeding tube to eat.
Instead of returning to work as a paramedic, the father of two children would now require all-day care and various medications to treat his injuries for the rest of his life.
Was Security Effective?
Baseball fans expect to be safe at stadiums while enjoying games. People now questioned whether organized sports stadiums were doing everything they can to make games secure.
Dodger Stadium increased spending on security for Opening Day. But it was apparently absent during the events of this incident. An usher was not working in Stow’s section during the game. Furthermore, witnesses did not observe any security personnel patrolling the parking lot.
The Trial for Damages
Stow sued the Dodgers and former owner Frank McCourt for failing their duty to provide effective security. Jurors agreed that security was inadequate.
The court ordered the Dodgers to pay $13.9 million in damages, representing lost earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
The two men who attacked Bryan Stow are absolutely answerable for his injuries, and the jury accounted for their liability in the verdict. But sporting arenas cannot entirely disclaim their duty to maintain peace during games.
Personal injury claims are pursued against those who have harmed their victims. Whether these people or entities acted purposefully or negligently, they are responsible for compensating your losses. Sam & Ash Injury Law is dedicated to getting the justice survivors deserve.
If you’ve been injured at a baseball game or sporting event, call us at 1 (800) 304-2000. We’re here to help 24/7.
Site by 