Philips Arena is a well known sight in downtown Atlanta and is the home of the Atlanta Hawks. It’s also a popular venue for concerts and other large events. When fans attend a game at the Philips Arena, or an event of any kind, they expect to have a good time and return home safely. Unfortunately, injuries are common at all large venues and some events will end in tragedy. If you or someone close to you has been injured at Philips Arena, you have rights—including the right to a full financial recovery. You should speak to a lawyer immediately.
John Foy & Associates can help you. Our firm began as a small local law office, and has since grown to be one of the largest, most respected personal injury law firms in the country. For more than 20 years we have been helping accident victims get the money they need for their medical bills and to take care of their family. We understand the stress and pain you’re facing and we have the resources to take on even the largest corporations—including the insurance companies that represent the Arena. Let us sit down with you for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
What kinds of injuries are most common at venues like Philips Arena?
Philips Arena is a still a fairly new venue, and has had less major injuries than other sports arenas in Atlanta. However, all major sports stadiums carry the risk of accidents, and because of the design of these buildings the accidents can be serious. The most common injuries we see at sports arenas include:
- Falling from the upper level. Philips Arena, like almost all stadiums, has several tiered levels of seating. A fall from the upper level can be life threatening or even fatal.
- Escalator accidents. Escalators have been known to malfunction in sports stadiums. With large numbers of fans using the escalators at once, any mechanical problem with an escalator can lead to injuries for dozens of people.
- Slip and fall injuries. Perhaps the most common injuries in sports arenas are slip and fall injuries. Anytime you trip or slip and fall due to a hazard, and you were not properly warned about the hazard, you have a valid claim for a slip and fall injury.
- Worker injuries. Workers in large stadiums have often face risks that the rest of us don’t think of. Two workers were killed during the construction of the Philips Arena when a 38,000-pound beam fell as they were lifting it into place. Workers in all types of jobs, from concessions to maintenance, have a right to a worker’s comp claim if injured on the job.
These are only a few of the most common types of accidents in stadiums and arena. You have a right to a recovery no matter what kind of injury you have. If you were injured on the premises of Philips Arena, and the injury is not your fault, the law says you can recover your costs.
How could people fall at Philips Arena? Aren’t there handrails?
Yes, all upper level seating throughout Philips Arena has guardrails to prevent people from falling. However, like all sports venues, Philips Arena faces a dilemma with these railings: if they’re too tall, they block the view for the people who paid to sit in seats. This means that stadiums have an incentive to keep the railings as low as possible.
What we see at many stadiums is that the railings meet the minimum height required by law, but still only come up to waist height or so. This is low by most standards, and especially for stadium style seating; people even one row up are literally sitting higher than the height of the railing. This makes it very easy to trip and fall over the guard rail, especially when coming down stairs or standing up to cheer.
These falls are extremely dangerous. In 2010, a man fell 35 feet from upper level seating at the Georgia Dome. He landed on another fan seated on the level below. Both were immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Many stadium falls result in death.
If I was injured, how do I know if I have a claim?
The best way to find out if you have a claim is to speak to a lawyer. This is why John Foy & Associates offers a free, in depth consultation to any injury victim.
In general, however, the law is on your side. Accidents at venues like the Philips Arena are known as premises liability cases. Premises liability simply means that the owner or management of a venue has a legal obligation to make it safe for guests. Any kind of hazard, such as a freshly mopped floor, should be clearly marked. And some hazards, such as railings that don’t really protect you from falling, shouldn’t be present on the premises at all.
This is why we tell people not to be too quick to blame yourself. You may think you could have done something differently to prevent your injury, but the building management could have done something differently too. You have a right to attend a basketball game or concern without being injured.
What if alcohol was a factor in my injury?
Philips Arena serves alcohol, and many fans indulge during games. Even if you were drinking, you still have the same rights as everyone else. The Arena management knows that fans drink and must make the environment safe even for people who are tipsy. Bars, restaurants and all venues that serve alcohol are held to a higher standard for exactly this reason.
Do I have to sue the Hawks?
No, absolutely not. The Philips Arena is owned by the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA), which in turn has insurance policies to cover accidents and injuries on the premises. In many cases we can help you win your claim without ever going to court. Even if your case does go to court, it will be between you and the insurance company.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in Atlanta?
We believe it shouldn’t cost you anything out of pocket. Accident victims and their families are already facing enough financial stress without another bill. Instead, we follow a simple pay structure:
- Your consultation is FREE
- You pay nothing up front
- You owe us nothing, ever, if we don’t win money for you
Talk to an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer for Free
If you or a loved one were hurt at Philips Arena, you are not alone. Let us help. John Foy & Associates has been winning cases for injury victims for over 20 years, and we can help you get the money you deserve. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.