Slip and Fall at a Sporting Event
Las Vegas, Nevada
Injured at a sporting event
In the adrenaline-charged atmosphere of sporting events, the thrill of the game often overshadows the potential hazards that can lead to unexpected accidents. Slip and fall incidents, seemingly innocuous yet alarmingly common, can occur amid enthusiastic crowds and competitive fervor.
If it happens to you, if you suffered a slip and fall accident at a sporting event, call us at 702-432-1000.
We don't charge for consultations.
Defining a slip and fall incident at a sporting event
Slip and fall incidents during sporting events occur when individuals slip, trip, or fall, resulting in injuries while attending a sporting event or game. Las Vegas hosts various popular sporting events, including NFL, NHL, UFC, and USL games, as well as high-profile races like NASCAR and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Remarkably, the city has witnessed rapid growth in its sporting infrastructure, with the addition of four large venues - Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas Ballpark, T-Mobile Arena, and The Dollar Loan Center - all within six years. These events collectively draw millions of spectators, making Las Vegas a bustling hub for sports enthusiasts. However, accidents happen.
Why do slip and fall accidents at a sporting event happen?
Slip and fall accidents at sporting events can happen for various reasons, often related to environmental factors and human behavior. Some common causes include:
Wet or slippery floors: Spilled beverages, rainwater, or other liquids can create slippery surfaces, especially in entrances, concourses, and restrooms.
Uneven surfaces: Uneven flooring or surfaces, such as damaged tiles, cracks, or potholes in walkways, can cause people to trip and fall.
Clutter and debris: Objects left on the floor (discarded food containers, bags, or equipment) can create tripping hazards, especially in crowded areas.
Lack of handrails: The absence of handrails on stairs and ramps can make navigating difficult for attendees.
Inadequate lighting: Poor lighting can obscure obstacles and hazards, making it difficult for attendees to see where they are walking and increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents.
Crowded conditions: Large crowds can lead to walkway congestion, making it easier for people to bump into each other and fall accidentally.
Inadequate security: Sometimes, inadequate security measures can lead to accidents at a sporting event, especially if attendees are rushing, pushing, or behaving aggressively.
Improper footwear: Attendees wearing inappropriate footwear for a sporting event, such as high heels or worn-out shoes, are at a higher risk of slipping and falling.
Distractions: Attendees who are distracted, for example, by watching the game on their phone instead of paying attention to their surroundings, might overlook hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Overall, inadequate maintenance, lack of safety measures, or failure to address known hazards can contribute to slip and fall accidents.
Who is liable?
Determining liability in a slip and fall case at a sports event can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances. Liability generally falls on the party responsible for maintaining the venue's safety, such as the venue owner, event organizers, or other parties involved in event management. They could be liable for the injuries if your slip and fall accident occurred due to their negligence.
Under Nevada law, the negligent party (or their business insurance) is financially responsible for all damages. It includes medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
In some cases, multiple parties could be negligent and responsible for your injury (also known as shared liability).
What to do if you get injured
If you are injured in a slip and fall at a sports event, it's crucial to take the following steps:
Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should be the top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even in cases where your injuries seem minor.
Document the scene: Take photos of where you fell, including any hazards like wet floors or debris. This visual evidence can be valuable later.
Collect information: Obtain any witnesses' names and contact information. Their statements can be crucial in supporting your case.
Report the incident: Report the incident to the venue staff or event organizers. Ask for a copy of the incident report, if possible.
Preserve evidence: Preserve any evidence related to your injury, such as the clothes and shoes you wore during the fall. They might be essential pieces of evidence.
Consult an attorney: Consult an attorney before giving any official statement to the press or insurance company.
We invite you to call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
What if I signed a liability waiver?
If you signed a waiver to participate in an activity and got injured during the sporting event or game, immediately connect with a personal injury lawyer from Heshmati and Associates. Signing a waiver is not the end of the story. The event organizers still owe you a safe experience. Even if you signed a liability waiver, the attorney could challenge it in court. If it is your case, still give us a call.
If you are partly at fault
Nevada is a comparative negligence state. It means you are still entitled to accident compensation even if you are partially at fault (less than 51%). Often, it happens when the victim is intoxicated during the slip and fall accident. The comparative negligence rule applies to all slip and fall accidents at the sporting event.
When the victim has prior injuries
This question comes up all the time. Many people want to know what happens if they have a prior injury or health issue and how it will affect their accident compensation claim.
Pre-existing injuries may affect your settlement. In Nevada, the accident victim with previous injuries will still receive compensation from the responsible party, but the insurance company may reduce the settlement amount.
Be aware of social media
Don't post photos of your accident on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or other social media platforms, and don't share how you feel after the accident or about your treatment's progress. Not only do your friends and family read your posts. The insurance company's adjuster also reads your postings. Even if you later decide to delete your posts on social media, the insurance company will subpoena your social media account and use your removed posts, comments, images, and videos as evidence against you.
We can help
Whether you get injured in a slip and fall incident at a local sporting event or a high-stakes NASCAR, Formula One competition, or Super Bowl, contact us at 702-432-1000.
Every month, we assist numerous clients who have suffered injuries in slip and fall accidents.
Your initial consultation is completely free.
Our law firm operates strictly on a contingency basis, which means you won't owe us anything unless we get a settlement for you or win your case at trial.
Walk-ins are welcome!
We represent clients in Las Vegas and Nevada.
Last updated on February 5, 2024.
