Few things bring Philadelphians together like cheering for the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, or Flyers. The city’s stadiums and arenas host millions of fans every year. But what happens when an exciting day at the game turns into an unexpected trip to the emergency room?
Slip-and-falls, food poisoning, falling objects, and even fan altercations can cause serious injuries at stadiums. The big question is: who is legally responsible when fans get hurt?
Stadium Owners’ Duty of Care
Under Pennsylvania law, stadium owners and operators have a duty of care to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This includes:
- Maintaining clean and dry walkways to prevent slips and falls
- Providing adequate lighting in hallways, ramps, and stairwells
- Ensuring food and beverage safety in concession areas
- Repairing broken seats, handrails, or steps
- Providing proper crowd control and security
If an injury happens because the stadium failed to address a hazard, the property owner or management company may be held liable in a premises liability claim.
Common Types of Stadium Injuries
Some of the most frequent injury scenarios at Philadelphia sports venues include:
- Slip-and-Falls: Spilled drinks, wet concourses, or icy outdoor areas create dangerous conditions.
- Structural Hazards: Broken steps, defective railings, or collapsing seats can lead to severe injuries.
- Foodborne Illnesses: Poorly handled or undercooked food at concession stands can cause serious illness.
- Projectile Injuries: Baseballs, hockey pucks, or even errant t-shirts from “fan cannons” can cause harm.
- Assaults or Fights: Inadequate security can leave fans vulnerable to attacks or altercations.
Each of these incidents may involve different parties who could bear responsibility.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Responsibility for stadium injuries often depends on the specific circumstances:
- Stadium Owners/Operators – Responsible for overall safety, maintenance, and security.
- Vendors/Contractors – If a concession stand sells contaminated food, the vendor may share liability.
- Event Organizers/Teams – For special events or concerts, the team or promoter may bear responsibility for crowd control and security.
- Other Fans – If an injury is caused by another fan (for example, in a fight), the individual may be personally liable. In some cases, the stadium may also be liable if security should have prevented it.
The “Assumption of Risk” Defense
Sports venues often rely on the “assumption of risk” doctrine to avoid liability. For example, a Phillies ticket typically includes a disclaimer warning fans about foul balls. Courts have generally upheld that fans assume certain risks inherent to attending a live sporting event.
However, assumption of risk doesn’t excuse negligence. While getting hit by a foul ball may be considered part of the game, slipping on an uncleaned spill or falling down poorly lit stairs is not.
What to Do If You’re Injured at a Stadium
If you or a loved one is injured at a Philadelphia sports venue, take these steps:
- Report the incident immediately to stadium staff or security.
- Document the scene with photos or videos of the hazard.
- Collect witness information from others who saw what happened.
- Seek medical care right away, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Consult an attorney experienced in premises liability to protect your rights.
The Bottom Line
Attending a game should be about fun, not injury. While fans accept some risks by stepping into the stadium, property owners, vendors, and event organizers still have a legal duty to keep the premises safe.
If negligence led to your injury at a Philadelphia sports stadium, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Jensen Bagnato, P.C. has decades of experience handling premises liability claims in Philadelphia. We fight for injury victims when big organizations fail to protect their guests.
Call us today for a free consultation and let us review your case.