Can a Sports Stadium Be Liable for Injuries Caused by Negligent Security?

Whether you’re going to see the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Creighton Bluejays, or another Nebraska team play, you trust the security team at these events to prevent injuries so you can enjoy your experience and stay safe. Unfortunately, many security teams fail to take proper measures and protect people in large crowds. Because stadiums have a duty to implement adequate safety measures, they may be held responsible for injuries if negligent security leads to harm, such as in cases involving inadequate staffing, poor crowd control, or insufficient lighting. 

Legal claims in these cases can be complex, requiring a thorough understanding of premises liability laws. At Knowles Law Firm, we can help you determine if the stadium is liable for your losses and how to pursue the justice you deserve. We’ve spent over 55 years helping clients navigate intricate legal issues like these, securing multi-million dollar settlements in the process. This commitment to excellence and our attention to detail allows us to evaluate the circumstances of your injury and determine if negligent security played a role.

When Is a Sports Stadium Liable for Negligent Security Injuries?

In Nebraska, property owners must keep their premises safe for visitors. In the case of sports stadiums, the owners of the building must provide adequate security and protect attendees from foreseeable dangers. However, knowing if the stadium is liable for your injuries can be challenging, especially if another attendee harmed you. At Knowles Law Firm, we can help you determine if a sports stadium is liable for your injuries by reviewing the following principles:

Duty of Care

Sports stadiums have a legal obligation, also known as a duty of care, to ensure fans are safe on their premises. This includes proper maintenance, avoiding or warning against foreseeable dangers, and providing adequate security. If a stadium breaches this duty of care, it may be liable for injuries that result.

Foreseeable Hazards

A stadium may be liable for injuries caused by negligent security if the danger was foreseeable or preventable. Issues like a random act of violence by another fan or third party may not be avoidable, even with the stadium’s best efforts to prevent it. However, the stadium may be responsible for your injuries if they didn’t take the proper precautions and security measures based on the foreseeable dangers of the event at their specific venue.

Adequate Security Measures

For sporting events, stadiums must take proper security measures tailored to their unique venue. For instance, if crowds at a particular event are frequently rowdy or the stadium has a history of fan violence, the stadium should implement proper security measures, such as metal detectors, extra guards, bag searches, and prohibited items that could be used to harm others. If a sports stadium fails to provide security tailored to the foreseeable risks of the event and the venue, it may be responsible for resulting injuries.

Proving Liability in Negligent Security Claims Against Sports Stadiums

If you suffered injuries because a sports stadium failed to take proper security measures based on foreseeable risks, you have the right to file a claim and pursue financial compensation. However, you carry the burden of proof, which means you must demonstrate the following elements of negligence to prove the stadium’s liability:

• Duty of care: The sports stadium had a duty to provide reasonable security measures, such as security guards, metal detectors, cameras, crowd control procedures, and secured entry and exit points.
• Breach of duty: The stadium breached this duty by failing to provide adequate security. This may include broken security cameras, not checking bags, or too few security guards to monitor the event. 
• Direct causation: The stadium’s negligence in taking appropriate security measures for the event directly caused your injuries.
• Damages: The injuries you suffered resulted in damages.

At Knowles Law Firm, we understand the unique complexities and challenges of these cases, so we conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence like medical records, maintenance records, witness testimony, and surveillance footage to prove these elements. With the help of the professional lawyers at Knowles Law Firm, you can focus on recovery while we give you the best chance of holding the stadium liable for their negligence.

Injured at a Sports Stadium Due to Negligent Security? Contact the Experienced Lawyers at Knowles Law Firm Today

If you’ve been injured at a sports stadium due to negligent security, we’re here to help. With over 55 years of experience and a track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements, we know what it takes to build a strong case. We take the time to understand your injury’s circumstances and work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to prove liability.

At Knowles Law Firm, we recognize how overwhelming it can be to navigate a legal claim while recovering from your injuries. Our team is committed to guiding you through every step, ensuring your case moves forward efficiently. Contact us today to learn how we may be able to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to us at (402) 431-9000 or fill out our contact form.