Last updated on November 20th, 2025 at 04:13 pm
Attending a sporting event should be a fun and memorable experience—not one that ends in injury. But each year, thousands of fans are hurt at stadiums and arenas due to hazardous conditions, poor maintenance, or negligent security. When these accidents occur, victims are often left wondering who, if anyone, can be held accountable.
In sports facility negligence cases, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Legal responsibility depends on the circumstances of the accident, the condition of the property, and whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent harm. At Garmey Law, we help injured victims pursue compensation when property owners fail to keep the premises safe.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and operators responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe or poorly maintained conditions. This includes public places like sports arenas, stadiums, and event centers.
If a facility fails to fix known hazards, properly train staff, or take reasonable steps to protect visitors, they may be held liable when someone is injured.
Common Accidents at Sports Facilities
Large crowds, fast-moving action, and various surfaces and structures make sports venues prone to numerous injury risks. Some of the most common incidents we see include:
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Spilled beverages, uneven walkways, poorly lit stairwells, and slick bathroom floors are all common hazards in sports venues. If a facility knew—or should have known—about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it or warn visitors, they may be held legally responsible.
Inadequate Crowd Control or Security
Large crowds require planning and coordination. When event organizers fail to manage entrances, exits, and crowd movement, serious injuries can occur. Inadequate security staff, poorly placed barriers, or failure to respond to escalating behavior can lead to trampling, fights, or crushing injuries.
Unsafe Seating or Structures
Bleachers, railings, and staircases must be regularly inspected and properly maintained. If a loose handrail gives way or a faulty seat collapses, injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. These types of accidents often point to poor facility maintenance or construction defects.
Flying Objects and On-Field Incidents
While some sports injuries are considered an “assumed risk” of attendance— as with the famous “baseball rule,” which typically protects ballpark owners from being sued when a foul ball at a baseball game hits a fan—there are limits. As with most areas of tort law, the test is what is reasonable. If safety netting is missing where it should be, or if a player or piece of equipment enters the stands due to poor barrier design, a facility may still be liable.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining responsibility in sports facility negligence cases depends on several factors, including:
- Who owns the venue (city, private company, team franchise)
- Who manages or operates the facility day-to-day
- Whether a third-party vendor (such as a security contractor or maintenance crew) was involved
- Whether the injured person was a spectator, employee, or vendor
In many cases, more than one party may share liability. For example, both the stadium and a contracted cleaning company could be responsible if a spill was left unattended in a busy walkway.
What Should You Do After an Injury?
If you’re injured at a sports venue, taking the right steps early can strengthen your legal case:
- Report the incident to event or stadium staff immediately
- Document the hazard or unsafe condition with photos or video
- Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first
- Gather contact information for any witnesses
- Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and missed work
Then, speak with a premises liability attorney. An experienced lawyer can investigate the cause of your injury, determine who was responsible, and help you seek fair compensation for your losses.
Talk to a Maine Premises Liability Attorney Today
You shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence. If you were hurt at a sports event due to unsafe conditions or poor management, Garmey Law is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve.