Post by Logan on May 4, 2016 22:49:23 GMT -6
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a spectator hit by a foul ball during a Cleveland Indians game can seek damages from the team.
Lawyers for Keith Rawlins of Rochester, New York, say he was blinded in one eye after a foul ball hit him during July 2012 game against the Baltimore Orioles. They argue his injury was the team's fault because it happened while stadium personnel distracted Rawlins by relocating him from his seat to clear the way for post-game fireworks.
The vision loss kept Rawlins from his work as a tool and die maker, rendering him destitute, says his attorney, Sandy Kelly. Rawlins is seeking unspecified damages.
Lawyers for the Indians say Rawlins and other spectators assume the risk of being struck by baseballs at games and have a duty to remain alert. They argue that blaming ushers for Rawlins' injury would mean that common ballpark distractions, such as hot dog, program or beer sales, could be used to justify a spectator's failure to avoid a foul ball.
Read more: www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/05/ohio_supreme_court_okays_lawsu.html
Lawyers for Keith Rawlins of Rochester, New York, say he was blinded in one eye after a foul ball hit him during July 2012 game against the Baltimore Orioles. They argue his injury was the team's fault because it happened while stadium personnel distracted Rawlins by relocating him from his seat to clear the way for post-game fireworks.
The vision loss kept Rawlins from his work as a tool and die maker, rendering him destitute, says his attorney, Sandy Kelly. Rawlins is seeking unspecified damages.
Lawyers for the Indians say Rawlins and other spectators assume the risk of being struck by baseballs at games and have a duty to remain alert. They argue that blaming ushers for Rawlins' injury would mean that common ballpark distractions, such as hot dog, program or beer sales, could be used to justify a spectator's failure to avoid a foul ball.
Read more: www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/05/ohio_supreme_court_okays_lawsu.html