Fan Dies After Falling from Upper Deck at Atlanta Braves Game
Recently, a 60 year old man from Alpharetta died after falling from the upper deck at Turner Field. ESPN reports that the Atlanta Braves fan was a season ticket holder who held the same seat for 23 years. The fan reportedly fell approximately 40 to 50 feet from the upper deck onto the concrete walkway below. Paramedics along with stadium security rushed to the site of the fall and attempted to perform CPR, but were tragically unable to save the gravely injured man.
Police are investigating the incident, but it does not appear there was any foul play involved. The Atlanta Braves have issued a statement following the incident, expressing their condolences and prayers to the victim's family and friends.
Stadium and Arena Falls Appear to be on the Rise
In recent years, fans have fallen from stadiums and arenas every few months, a seeming increase from falls in the past. In 2013, a man fell 85 feet from the upper level of Atlanta's Turner Field. This death was ruled a suicide. Several other deaths occurred across the nation, many of which were not suicide attempts, but rather fatal accidents.
The causes of stadium and arena falls vary, making it a difficult problem to prevent. However, there are several common factors that seem to be present in many falls, including, but not limited to:
- Alcohol and drug use: In several fall incidents, autopsies revealed high levels of alcohol or drugs in the blood stream. Fans who engage in risky behaviors, such as the fan who attempted to slide many feet down a railing at Coors Field in Colorado, could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Low railings: Some stadium accidents have occurred when fans lost their footing and tumbled over railings that should have been higher. Many stadiums have raised minimum railing heights over the years to ensure fan safety, but some still have insufficient railings in place.
- Overcrowding: Some falls have been the result of overcrowding, with mobs of fans pushing fellow fans over railings or down stairs. All stadiums have a maximum capacity, but fans that attend popular sporting events likely know that stadiums can become quite packed. Stadiums can protect against falls by ensuring they never exceed capacity and fans are ushered in and out in an orderly manner.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a stadium or other professional sports arena, consult with a personal injury attorney to assess whether you are eligible for compensation. While some accidents are just that—pure accidents, others are the result of negligence on the part of the stadium owner, manager or another individual.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Assisting the Victims of Sports Accidents
If you are injured in an accident that may have involved negligence, the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Our firm has over 39 years of experience in the industry and we accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast. The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery for your injuries. As such, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/fan-falls-upper-deck-atlanta-braves-game/nnTK3/