The Georgia Dome is an Atlanta landmark and for many years was one of the largest domed stadiums in the world. When fans go to a game at the Georgia Dome, they expect to cheer for the Atlanta Falcons and have a good time. They do not expect to be injured. Sadly, many games have ended with tragic accidents, injuries, and even deaths among fans. If you or someone you love have been injured at the Georgia Dome, the law says you qualify for a full financial recovery so that you are not buried in medical bills and other costs. John Foy & Associates can help you get the money you’re owed.
John Foy & Associates began as a small local law firm and grew to one of the largest, most experienced and reliable personal injury law firms in the state of Georgia. We have over 20 years of experience working with accident victims and we understand the pain, stress and difficulty you face. We make it our goal not just to win you money, but to help you make the fullest recovery possible from your injury. Come in for a free consultation and find out what we can do for you. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
What kinds of injuries are most common at the Georgia Dome?
The Georgia Dome has been a destination for over 25 years and there have been many different injuries in that time. Technically, any kind of injury on the premises could qualify for a financial recovery. But there are certain types of injuries that are most common. These include:
- Tripping or slipping. Any crowded area is prone to slip and fall accidents, especially when beverages can be spilled on the floor and create hazards. Even a minor slip and fall accident can lead to serious injuries including fractures, head injuries and sprains.
- Falling. Tragically, fans at the Georgia Dome have fallen from upper levels while cheering for their team. Falling from this kind of height is potentially deadly and has claimed at least one life in the Georgia Dome.
- Escalator accidents. The escalators at the Georgia Dome have malfunctioned on multiple occasions, throwing fans down at great speed.
Your injury doesn’t have to fit these categories to qualify. If the injury happened in any kind of accident that wasn’t your fault, you may have a claim.
What kind of costs can I recover with a personal injury claim in Atlanta?
The law allows you to recover money for your injuries, known as a financial recovery. We know that this money can never undo what happened or make up for the pain and trauma you experience. The idea behind the financial recovery is that it helps cover all the costs of your injury and make sure you don’t suffer financially for it. Your recovery could pay for all costs, including:
- Hospital costs, doctor appointments and medical bills
- Medication, physical therapy & rehabilitation
- The cost of any lost wages due to missed work time
The law also allows additional payments to offset major losses such as emotional trauma or a permanent disability. Many financial recoveries go into the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
Do I have to sue the Falcons to win my claim?
No, absolutely not. Most people injured at the Georgia Dome are huge fans and would never want to file a lawsuit against the team they love. Fortunately, no such lawsuit is necessary. The Georgia Dome is run by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), a department of the state government. The GWCCA has insurance policies to cover injuries at the Dome, and your claim is between you and the insurance company.
In most cases, no lawsuit is needed. Your personal injury lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to get you the full amount you need. If the insurance company refuses to pay, we may suggest taking your case all the way to the courts. Even then, it will be against the GWCCA and their insurer—never against the Falcons.
What’s wrong with the escalators at the Georgia Dome? Why are there so many escalator injuries?
The GWCCA maintains that their escalators are safe and work fine. Nonetheless, there have been two major incidents and dozens of people have been injured.
The first one was in 2013. After a Falcons vs. Saints game, fans took the escalators down toward D Gate to exit the dome. According to fan reports the escalator suddenly accelerated, throwing fans toward the ground floor at high speed. Up to 8 people were reported injured, and several had to literally jump off the escalator to safety. They sustained injuries including a twisted knee and abrasions.
The GWCCA attributed the accident to “fans jumping up and down on an extremely full escalator.” However, there was an even more serious escalator accident just two years later. In that incident, also at D Gate, the escalator again accelerated, this time injuring 30 people. Several people had to be taken away in stretchers.
How do people fall at the Georgia Dome? Aren’t there guard rails?
Yes, the Georgia Dome has railings around all upper levels. Technically, these railings meet building code, but they are only 33 inches high—about waist height on a standing adult. This is substantially lower than the standard height of 42 inches, however. That means that people standing in front of their seats, or tripping and falling from a higher row of seats, are in danger of falling over the railing.
This became an awful reality in 2012 when a 20-year-old fan stood up to give a fist pump and cheer after a touchdown. Other spectators seated watched in horror as he lost his balance and fell over the railing. The man fell 45 feet onto another section of seats, losing his life.
We understand that no one at the Georgia Dome wants these kinds of accidents to happen. There is no intent to do harm. But the law says that the owner of a public venue like the Dome has a responsibility to keep people safe. If the railings are too low, they are a breach of this duty. That means the GWCCA is liable for any falling injuries.
If I was injured, how do I know if I have a claim?
You should always take the time to speak to a qualified Atlanta personal injury attorney. Many accident victims blame themselves, or assume the injury couldn’t have been helped. But people don’t slip, trip or fall for no reason. If the managers of the Georgia Dome could have done something differently to prevent the accident, they are liable for the costs.
The medical bill for even a small injury can be staggering. And Atlanta has strict deadlines to file your claim. Don’t face the costs alone. Ask a lawyer for a professional opinion.
What does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At John Foy & Associates we make it as easy as possible. We use a simple pay structure:
- You pay us nothing for your first consultation or any consultation
- You pay us nothing up front
- You pay us nothing unless we win you money
We only get paid if we secure you a financial recovery, and our pay comes out of that recovery as a percentage. Everything else is yours to keep, with no legal bills.
Talk to an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates we believe in helping accident victims. Find out what we can do for you. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.