Bradshaw & Bryant

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Minnesota Sporting Event Injury Lawyers

Trusted legal experience after you’re injured at a sporting event

Sporting events are meant to be fun, exciting, and full of energy. Whether you're watching the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, catching a Twins game at Target Field, or cheering at a local high school football game, sports bring people together across Minnesota. But while most people walk away with great memories, others are not so lucky. Injuries at sporting events happen more often than you might think, and when they do, the results can be devastating. From falls in the stands to being hit by flying objects or crushed in an overcrowded crowd, spectators can suffer serious, even life-changing injuries. At Bradshaw & Bryant, our Minnesota sporting event injury lawyers are here to help you recover after an accident. We bring trusted legal experience to every case, and we fight hard to hold teams, stadiums, and organizers accountable when negligence leads to harm. You deserve to feel safe when attending a game. When that safety is taken away, you also deserve justice.

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What are some common causes of injuries at Minnesota sporting events?

Most stadiums and arenas in Minnesota are well-managed and well-maintained. But even the best-run venues can make mistakes, or hire third-party contractors who cut corners. Injuries often result when safety rules are ignored or facilities aren’t properly inspected and secured. Some of the most common causes of sporting event injuries include:

  • When large numbers of people are gathered in one place, it’s important to manage the crowd. Without proper barriers, staff, and security procedures, spectators can be trampled, pushed, or crushed during entrances, exits, or emergencies. Crowd surges and bottlenecks at stairwells or concession areas can lead to broken bones, falls, or worse.
  • Wet floors, spilled drinks, uneven stairs, or poor lighting can make stadium walkways dangerous. If these hazards aren’t fixed or clearly marked, visitors can suffer serious injuries such as fractures, concussions, or back injuries.
  • Many people don’t realize how often spectators are hit by foul balls, hockey pucks, or even flying equipment like bats or helmets. According to a Bloomberg report, about 1,750 fans are injured each year by foul balls at Major League Baseball games alone.
  • Stadium seats and railings should be regularly inspected and repaired. If a seat collapses or a railing gives way, the result can be a dangerous fall, especially in upper decks or balcony sections.
  • Fights between fans, drunken behavior, and even violent assaults can happen at college and professional sporting events, especially when alcohol is involved. Venue operators have to prevent foreseeable danger and respond quickly when problems arise.
  • Some injuries, like heatstroke, cardiac issues, or allergic reactions, require immediate medical attention. If stadiums fail to provide reasonably adequate emergency response staff for the size and nature of the event, victims may suffer worse outcomes—and venues may be held liable if that failure constitutes negligence.

What are some common injuries from Minnesota sporting events?

Depending on the nature of the incident, sporting event injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. Some of the injuries we’ve seen in Minnesota cases include:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Head injuries and concussions
  • Back and spinal cord injuries
  • Lacerations and deep cuts
  • Crush injuries
  • Knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries from falls
  • Internal bleeding
  • Emotional trauma, especially in cases of crowd panic or violence

Some victims recover quickly. Others, however, face months or years of rehabilitation. In the most tragic cases, families lose a loved one due to poor safety measures at a game.

Who can be held liable for a Minnesota sporting event injury?

One of the most important parts of any personal injury case is figuring out who was responsible. At Bradshaw & Bryant, we start every case by investigating exactly what happened, why it happened, and who should be held accountable. In a sporting event injury case, potentially liable parties include:

  • Property owners are required under Minnesota premises liability law to maintain safe conditions for guests and fix known hazards.
  • If a team rents or operates a venue and fails to provide adequate safety, they may be responsible.
  • Many large events are run by third-party organizers who must manage crowds, security, and logistics.
  • Food vendors, maintenance workers, or security staff hired by the venue may be liable if their actions caused the injury.
  • If a defective chair, barrier, or escalator led to an injury, the product manufacturer might be responsible under product liability law.

Our Minnesota injury lawyers examine all possibilities to ensure no stone is left unturned when building your case.

What is the “assumption of risk” defense?

One issue that comes up often in sporting event injury cases is something called “assumption of risk.” This legal concept says that if you attend a game, you accept certain obvious risks, like a foul ball landing in the stands or a player crashing into the barrier. However, assumption of risk doesn’t mean all injuries are your fault. Sporting venues still have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect fans. For example, stadiums must install protective netting behind home plate or take action to prevent dangerous overcrowding. If your injury was caused by negligence (not just bad luck), you may still have a strong legal case.

What is the value of my Minnesota sporting event injury claim?

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, Minnesota law allows you to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. This can include:

  • Medical expenses, including ER visits, surgeries, medications, therapy, and future care costs
  • Lost wages, if your injury prevented you from working or will affect your earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, for both your physical and emotional hardship
  • Scarring or disfigurement, if the injury left lasting marks or impairments
  • Disability, for permanent impairments or loss of function

If a loved one dies due to a stadium-related incident, surviving family members may be able to sue for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more in a wrongful death action.

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we work closely with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate the full value of your injury.

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

If you’ve been injured while attending a game, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:

  • Get medical help right away. Your health comes first. Always get checked out, even if the injury seems minor.
  • Notify stadium staff, security, or event organizers. Ask for an incident report and keep a copy.
  • Take photos. Capture the area where the injury occurred, any hazards, your injuries, and the surrounding crowd.
  • Gather witness information. If others saw what happened, get their contact information in case we need statements later.
  • Don’t sign anything without legal advice. Insurance companies or venue reps may try to offer a fast settlement. Don't accept anything until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
  • Contact our Minnesota personal injury attorneys. The sooner we begin investigating, the better chance you have of recovering full compensation.

How long do I have to file a claim in Minnesota?

In most Minnesota personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. However, depending on the circumstances of the case, especially if a public stadium or government entity is involved, you may have shorter deadlines or need to file a formal notice of claim. That’s why it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Why choose our Minnesota sporting event injury lawyers?

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we’ve spent decades helping injury victims across Minnesota. We understand how confusing and stressful a serious injury can be, especially when it happens in a place you thought was safe. When you work with us, you can expect:

  • Your story matters. We take the time to listen and understand exactly what happened.
  • We aren’t afraid to take on big teams, stadiums, or corporate insurers.
  • You don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
  • We’re experienced trial attorneys and are ready to take your case to court if needed, to get the best result for you.

Our job is to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

Do you have a Minnesota sporting event injury lawyer near me?

Bradshaw & Bryant proudly serves clients throughout the state from our offices located at 1505 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387, and 701 Xenia Ave. S., Suite 565, Golden Valley, MN 55416. We also offer virtual consultations or travel to meet with seriously injured clients if needed. If you’re in Minnesota and injured, reach out to us.

Talk to an experienced Minnesota sporting event lawyer today

If you or a loved one has been injured at a professional, college, or local sporting event, don’t wait. The legal team at Bradshaw & Bryant is ready to help you understand your options and take action. We offer free consultations, and we don’t get paid unless you win. Let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable and recover the compensation you need to move forward. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule your case evaluation today.