The trial against the Los Angeles Dodgers and two named assailants ended with a verdict in favor of Bryan Stow in the amount of $18,000.000. According to ABC News, the jury found that the Dodgers organization was 25% responsible for the attack, and the balance of the responsibility was assessed evenly against the two named assailants, Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood.
The jury deliberated for 9 days after hearing all of the evidence. The jury awarded total damages in the amount of $18,000,000.00, of which the Dodgers are on the hook for nearly $15,000,000.00. Stow’s lawsuit which was filed on his behalf by family members alleged that negligent security and inadequate lighting at Dodger Stadium caused or at least contributed to the attack and the permanent brain injury suffered by Stow. The initial demand on Stow’s behalf was $50,000,000 to compensate him and his family for lost wages and lifetime medical care.
Premises Liability and Third Party Criminal Assaults
Under California law, a property/business owner has a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe manner, which includes protecting those on the property from the violent acts of others, this essentially means that sufficient security must be in place to adequately control any risks that may arise as a result of the crowd. With events that are held at places like baseball stadiums where alcohol is being served that level of responsibility rises with the length of the event and that should be factored in by the host or, in this case the Dodgers. This duty is not absolute, and the business owner must have reason to know the violence is about to occur or is likely to occur on the property, before they have an obligation to take action.
The preventative measures that may be required can include providing a trained security staff and adequate lighting at night, in order to deter potential acts of violence. Furthermore, once a violent attack begins, and is made known to a business owner, the business may have a legal duty to intervene so long as that intervention can be accomplished safely.
If you or a family member have been injured as a result of a violent assault on business property please contact the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth. We have experience handling catastrophic injuries like these and we are the best firm to determine your rights to compensation for any injuries or damages suffered. Our attorneys have over 50 years of legal experience and We Can Help! Call us at 888-809-1075 or visit us at https://gblegal.com/catastrophic.php
