Stadium and Theater Accidents

Premises Liability Lawyers Representing Pembroke Pines Victims

When people attend a performance or a sports event, they expect an enjoyable afternoon or evening without fearing for their safety. People or entities that own or operate these facilities have certain responsibilities to the public under Florida law. While they are not automatically liable for every accident that occurs on their premises, there are many situations in which an injured person may recover damages due to a stadium or theater accident. For example, the lighting at the venue may be inadequate, food may be spilled on the floor, staircases may have cracked steps, or handrails may be hazardously rickety. If you or a loved one has been hurt at a theater or stadium, the Pembroke Pines premises liability attorneys at Cohn and Smith are ready to help.

Pursuing Compensation for a Stadium or Theater Accident

Under Florida negligence law, a person who is hurt due to the failure of a business operator to act in a reasonably prudent manner may be able to recover damages for their injuries. This compensation includes payment for past and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering following an accident at a stadium or theater.

Traditionally, the amount of care owed to a visitor or guest depended upon the reason that the person came onto the defendant’s land. The highest duty is to “invitees” who were on the property for a purpose that financially benefits the property owner. This generally would be true of people who buy tickets to attend a game, a movie, a concert, or a theatrical production. The owner of the premises would need to not only warn patrons of known dangers, such as a wet floor, but also make regular inspections to check for hidden defects, such as a broken handrail in a handicap bathroom stall.

Thus, a person who slips and falls or is otherwise injured at a stadium or theater will need to show that they were lawfully present on the property and that the defendant failed to use reasonable care to protect their safety. If they did, the plaintiff then must show that they were harmed as a proximate result of the defendant’s careless actions. The defendant may try to avoid or limit liability through a comparative negligence argument, such as by arguing that a hazard was open and obvious. This is a highly fact-specific question that may be resolved only after examining evidence like surveillance videos, maintenance records, and witness testimony.

Talk to an Experienced Premises Liability Attorney in Pembroke Pines

Cases based on slip and falls or other accidents at a stadium or theater take a considerable amount of time to investigate and prepare for trial. Moreover, cases that are not filed within Florida’s statutes of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims are likely to be dismissed. Thus, if you have been hurt by a negligent property owner, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible, while there is still time to build your case. For a free consultation after a stadium or theater accident, call the Pembroke Pines lawyers at Cohn & Smith at (954) 431-8100 or contact us online. We accept most cases on a contingency fee basis, so there is no need to wait until you can pay legal fees upfront. Our injury attorneys represent people in cities such as Pembroke Pines, Davie, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Sunrise, Pompano Beach, Aventura, Tamarac, Coral Springs, and communities throughout North Dade County.