Baseball-related Verdicts and Settlements

2020 – Alabama

A boy played in a youth baseball tournament. His eye was struck by a ball that ricocheted off his bat. He lost significant vision. The boy’s mother alleged that his coach’s negligence contributed to this. She claimed the coach violated tournament rules by removing the boy’s faceguard and chinstrap. The coach denied liability. He argued that he had permission to remove them. The coach also argued that the ballpark did not require their use. This case settled for $1,000,000.

$1,000,000 – Settlement

2018 – Pennsylvania

A 12-year-old boy played in a little league game. His temple was struck by a foul ball while he sat in the dugout. The boy suffered a skull fracture, a brain shift, cerebral hematomas, a concussion, nausea, headaches, sleeping problems, and mood swings. His parents alleged that the baseball field operator’s failure to properly fence the dugout contributed to his permanent injuries. The jury awarded the family a $1,721,431 verdict.  This is a tough case in most circumstances.  But if there is not a minimal amount of fencing to protect the kids on the bench of dugout, this can be, as you see here, a viable claim. 

$1,721,341 – Verdict

2018 – Pennsylvania

A woman attended a Pittsburgh Pirates game. Her head was struck by a foul ball. This occurred while an usher escorted her to her seat behind home plate. The woman suffered a traumatic brain injury. She was left with cognitive and memory issues, headaches, sleep problems, mood swings, and vestibular issues. The woman alleged that the Pirates’ failure to maintain a safe sports venue caused her injuries. She claimed they improperly installed safety netting and failed to provide a safe route to seats. The Pirates denied liability. They argued comparative negligence. The jury found the Pirates 47.5 percent negligent, the net’s manufacturer 47.5 negligent, and the woman 5 percent negligent. They awarded a $454,000 verdict.

$454,000 – Verdict

2018 – New York

A 15-year-old boy played in a high school baseball game. His face was struck by a bat that was swung by his teammate. He suffered a lower incisor luxation, a lower lip laceration, jaw pain, and swelling. His parents alleged that his teammate’s negligent bat swinging caused his injuries. This case settled for $75,000.

$75,000 – Settlement

2017 – Connecticut

A woman attended a high school baseball game. She fell to the ground after the bleachers she sat on collapsed. The woman suffered a concussion, spinal strains, hip sprains, and trochanteric bursitis. She alleged that the high school’s failure to properly maintain the bleachers caused her injuries. The high school admitted liability but disputed the injury claim. A jury awarded the woman a $61,577 verdict.

$61,577 – Verdict

2016 – California

A man confronted security while attending a Los Angeles Dodgers game. This occurred after they asked his daughter to invert her shirt because it contained profanity. Security then tackled him. The man suffered a meniscus injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. He also suffered soft-tissue facial, right shoulder, and left knee injuries. The man and his daughter alleged negligent supervision and assault and battery against the Dodgers. The Dodgers denied liability. They argued that their security’s actions were appropriate. The jury found the Dodgers 67 percent liable and the man 33 percent liable. They awarded a $475,000 verdict.

$475,000 – Verdict

2016 – California

An 8-year-old boy played baseball on a middle school’s field. His left knee became caught on a metal stake after he slid into first base. The boy suffered a knee laceration. He required 24 stitches. He was left with significant scarring. The boy’s parents alleged that the field operator’s failure to maintain safe premises caused his injuries. This case settled for $50,000.

$50,000 – Settlement

2016 – California

An 8-year-old boy played baseball on a middle school’s field. His left knee became caught on a metal stake after he slid into first base. The boy suffered a knee laceration. He required 24 stitches. He was left with significant scarring. The boy’s parents alleged that the field operator’s failure to maintain safe premises caused his injuries. This case settled for $50,000.

$50,000 – Settlement

2015 – Iowa

An 18-year-old played in a high school baseball game. A foul ball struck him while standing in the dugout. The teenager suffered a skull fracture. He was left with a permanent brain injury. The teen alleged that the high school’s failure to properly fence the dugout caused his permanent injuries. The high school denied liability. A jury found the high school 70 percent liable and the boy 30 percent liable. They awarded a $1,500,000 verdict.

$1,500,000 – Verdict

2016 – Florida

A minor played in a baseball tournament. He suffered a right knee injury while trying to catch a foul ball. The boy’s parents alleged that the field operator’s failure to properly maintain the foul territory area caused his permanent injuries. The field operator denied liability and contested the boy’s injuries. A jury found the field operator 85 percent liable and the boy 15 percent liable. They awarded the family a $150,000 verdict.

$150,000 – Verdict

2012 – Nevada

A bat struck a 10-year-old boy’s face during a little league game. He suffered jaw and teeth injuries. His father alleged that the local Little League’s negligence caused these injuries. This case settled for $52,000.

$52,000 – Settlement