What Is the "Baseball Rule" If I Am Hurt at a Game?

 Posted on March 26, 2025 in Personal Injury

Spring is in the air, meaning that baseball season is underway. Whether you are watching your child’s T-ball game, your favorite high school game, or a Cubs home game, you expect the facility to be safe and well-maintained. Many times, you can file a premises liability claim if you are hurt at a game.

If you are injured as a spectator at a baseball game, you could be entitled to compensation. However, the Baseball Facility Liability Act may apply if the source of your injury is a foul ball or a thrown bat that entered the spectator seating area. Our knowledgeable Cook County, IL premises liability attorney can investigate your accident and explain your legal options.

What Is the Baseball Rule?

People who attend baseball games are supposed to be aware of the potential dangers of being hit by bats and foul balls. While stadium owners and other responsible parties have a duty of care to keep baseball facilities safe, the Baseball Rule puts that duty back onto spectators for specific risks. If you are hit, you may not be eligible for compensation unless there is evidence of negligence. Negligence in these cases could include:

• Failing to repair or replace damaged safety netting

• Using netting that does not meet safety standards

• Failing to extend safety netting to cover all high-risk seating areas

Although the Baseball Rule is followed in most states, opponents believe it is unfair to spectators who are injured or killed.

How Many People Are Hit by MLB Foul Balls?

Around 1,750 spectators are hit by foul balls at MLB games every year. Foul balls can enter the stands at speeds of over 100 mph, and there is almost no way to avoid being hit if a ball is headed your way. In fact, you have only 1/8 of one second to move out of the way of a foul ball. Injuries at Minor League and other games are also possible.

These injuries can be catastrophic, causing blunt-force trauma. Broken bones, brain damage, and other severe wounds can be life-threatening. If negligence played a part in your injury, we can help you pursue compensation.

What Other Kinds of Injuries Happen at Baseball Games?

Many times, a premises liability claim could allow you to receive compensation. Unsafe seating or handrails, broken pavement on walking surfaces, and inadequate lighting can lead to people getting hurt. Fights between fans can break out, and assaults due to negligent security can also harm spectators. Food poisoning could result from eating contaminated hot dogs.

If you are hurt at a baseball game, the best thing to do is call our office. We offer free consultations so we can assess your accident. Once we have the important information we need, we will help you explore your options for compensation.

Call Our Skilled Orland Park, IL Personal Injury Attorney

When you are hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, our dedicated Cook County, IL premises liability lawyer can help. Contact Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. online or call us at 708-321-1223 to discuss your case today.