Author: Shelby Benavidez  

Contributing Attorney: Arash Karimi, attorney 

Table of Contents

TL;DR: What to Know After an Injury at a Football Game  

  • Not every injury at a football game is just a risk you accept by buying a ticket. A stadium owner, event organizer, security company, vendor, or another party may be responsible if negligence contributed to your injury.  
  • Common injuries at a stadium range from slipping on a spilled drink to falling on the stairs or getting caught in a fight between fans. 
  • If you get hurt at a game, make sure the incident is reported and get the medical care you need. Photos, witness information, and even your ticket could also be important later. 
  • Stadium security footage and other evidence may disappear quickly. If your injury is serious, an attorney can help identify important evidence and request that it be preserved.  
  • Texas generally gives injured people two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but some claims can have different or much shorter deadlines.  

Going to a football game is supposed to be fun. You expect packed stands, long concession lines, loud fans, and maybe a little chaos. But you don’t expect to leave the stadium with a serious injury.  

Unfortunately, injuries happen at college football games, NFL games, and other sporting events across Texas frequently. Someone may slip on stadium stairs, get hit with a ball, get caught in an overcrowded area, or get hurt because another fan gets out of control.  

If you were injured at a football game, you may be wondering whether anyone can be held responsible. The answer depends on what happened, where it happened, and whether someone could have reasonably prevented it.  

What Are Common Causes of Injuries at Football Stadiums?  

Over the course of a single game, thousands of people are moving through the stadium. With that many people sharing stairs, bathrooms, concession areas, seating sections, and parking lots, there are plenty of opportunities for something to go wrong.  

Some of the most common causes of stadium injuries include:  

Slip and falls: Spilled drinks, wet floors, damaged walkways, and other hazards can cause someone to lose their footing. A simple fall can result in broken bones, head injuries, back injuries, and other serious problems.  

Crowds: Big games bring big crowds. When entrances, exits, or other areas aren’t properly managed, overcrowding can increase the risk of falls and other injuries.  

Fights and unruly fans: Football games are supposed to be fun, but some fans get a little too passionate. If a fight breaks out or an attendee causes harm to others, you may need to determine if there was adequate security or whether staff should have responded to dangerous behavior sooner. 

Parking lot accidents: Heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic around stadium parking lots and tailgating areas can lead to crashes and pedestrian injuries before or after the game.  

Extreme weather: Texas football season can mean spending hours outside in extreme heat. Heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration can become serious medical emergencies.  

There are also risks that come directly from the sport itself, such as a ball entering stadium seating. In those situations, you may not be able to bring a claim because fans are expected to accept some of the normal risks that come with watching a live sporting event.  

Who Could Be Responsible for a Stadium Injury?  

Several companies and organizations may be involved in running a single sporting event. Depending on what caused your injury, one or more parties could potentially share responsibility.  

Stadium or Property Owner  

Property owners generally have responsibilities when it comes to the safety of people invited onto their property. Dangerous stairs, broken railings, poor lighting, wet floors, or other unsafe property conditions could raise questions about whether the property was properly maintained.  

Stadium or Event Operator  

The company or organization responsible for running the event could be held liable if injuries were caused by how the event was organized, operated, maintained, or managed. 

Security Company  

Stadium security is often handled by an outside company. If your injury was caused because security failed to respond in a timely and appropriate manner, that vendor could be held liable. 

Vendors and Contractors  

A lot of the work happening inside a stadium is handled by outside companies, from concessions to cleaning and maintenance. If one of those companies creates a hazard that leads to an injury, they may be held responsible. 

Another Spectator  

Sometimes another fan is directly responsible for someone’s injuries, such as assaulting another person, throwing an object, or engaging in other reckless behavior.  

In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. These types of claims can get confusing, so if you were injured at a football game, it’s important to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney to understand who may be liable and what options you have moving forward.  

What Should You Do After an Injury at a Football Game?  

After a stadium accident, the first thing you should do is get the medical care you need. Stadiums often have medical personnel available, but a serious injury may require additional treatment at an emergency room or another medical facility.  

You should also report the incident to stadium staff. Ask how the incident will be documented and, if possible, get information about who took your report.  

Take photos and videos of the area where you were injured. If you slipped on something, photograph it before it gets cleaned up. If a broken step or railing caused your fall, take photos and a brief description of its condition. Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened.  

Keep your ticket or digital ticket information, parking receipts, medical records, and any other documentation related to the game and your injury.  

There may also be evidence you can’t collect yourself. Stadiums can have security cameras throughout the property. Video may show how long a hazard existed, how an accident occurred, or what happened before a security incident. That footage may not be kept forever. An attorney can investigate what evidence may exist and take steps to request that important records, video, or other information be preserved.  

How Long Do You Have to File a Stadium Injury Claim in Texas?  

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, claims involving certain government entities can have additional notice requirements with much shorter deadlines. That can become particularly important when an injury happens at a stadium owned or operated by the city or public university.  

The sooner the accident is investigated, the easier it may also be to locate witnesses, preserve video, and document the condition that caused your injury.  

When Should You Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?  

A scraped knee after stumbling on the way back to your seat probably isn’t going to require a legal investigation. But if you’ve suffered a serious injury and believe an unsafe condition or someone else’s actions caused it, it may be worth reaching out for a free consultation.  

An experienced personal injury lawyer can look into what happened and figure out who may be responsible. They can also help you understand what your injury has cost you, from medical bills and missed work to the ways it has affected your everyday life. 

At Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers, talking to an attorney about your injury is always free. There’s no pressure or obligation to move forward. Our goal is to help you understand your options and what your next move should be.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Sporting Event Injuries  

Can I sue if I was injured at a football game?  

It depends on the situation. Not every injury that occurs at a stadium will lead to a personal injury case. However, if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to sue the person or business responsible. 

What happens if another fan injures me at a football game?  

The fan who caused your injury may be responsible for their actions. Depending on what happened before the incident, there may also be questions about stadium security, alcohol service, crowd management, or whether dangerous behavior was allowed to continue.  

Does my ticket waive my right to sue the stadium?  

Not necessarily. Sporting event tickets may contain terms related to the risks of attending a game, but those terms don’t automatically prevent every type of injury claim. Waivers typically don’t excuse gross negligence.  

What should I do if I’m injured at a sporting event?  

Get medical attention, report the injury to event or stadium staff, document where and how it happened, collect witness information, and keep records related to the event and your medical treatment. If your injuries are serious, consider talking with an attorney about preserving evidence and understanding your legal options.  

How long do I have to file a stadium injury claim in Texas?  

Most Texas personal injury lawsuits are subject to a two-year statute of limitations, but exceptions and shorter notice requirements may apply. Claims involving public universities or government entities can be especially time-sensitive.