The family of a 10-year-old girl who was struck in the head by a baseball during batting practice files a lawsuit against the ball club. According to a report published in The Daily Record of Baltimore, the family is seeking more than $75,000 in damages. How did this happen?
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The law suit
Jennifer Dempsey and her stepfather Joseph Kraft arrived early for the game in August 2013, but the usher for the section where their seats were said they had to wait a few minutes for the stadium’s seating bowl to open. The usher then lead them to the right field foul pole in the flag court area.
While waiting, Dempsey was hit in the face by a ball pitched by Coco Crisp, an outfielder for the Oakland Athletics. He was doing a batting practice. Dempsey underwent a nine hour emergency surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, but is recovering.
Baseball safety tips
We love sports so much that we try to take our kids to watch a game once in a while. Our goal is for our family to have fun. However, several things can happen in a short amount of time. With that said, here are a few tips to help you stay safe at baseball events:
- Stay alert. Balls and broken bats can enter the seating areas, so always be aware of what’s happening around you.
- Be very careful when going after foul balls. A baseball hit into the stands can result in an injury. For example, if you’re not paying attention, the ball could hit you just like it did Dempsey and hurt you. Also, a fan might get excited, run after the ball and accidentally hit you. Always have your head on a swivel.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Climates may vary depending on where you are seated during a baseball game. Some areas tend to be cooler, while some offer no shade. Check out where your seats are located so you can plan which clothes to wear.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I would like to remind everyone to please be aware of your surroundings when you’re at a sporting event, especially when you’re with the kids. This goes, not only when you’re in a stadium for a game, but also when you’re walking on sidewalks or driving. Please keep these tips in mind and have fun at the game!