Three adults and one child were hospitalized with injuries after an obstacle collapsed during the 5K Warrior Dash race near Baton Rouge. According to CBS News, investigators believe the cause of the accident was inadequate bracing of the 50-foot framed structure. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning said that the “Diesel Dome” obstacle, which was holding 20 people at the time of the collapse, was obviously overweight.
More than 11 people visited area hospitals to treat injuries after the incident. Three victims were airlifted to medical facilities.
Event organizers claimed that this was the first accident of its kind in the race series; however, these certainly were not the first serious injuries in the history of Warrior Dash. Two participants died in 2011 when they collapsed in extreme heat.
Another racer in Michigan was paralyzed after he dove into a mud pit.
These victims and their families are facing tremendous emotional hardship. Severe injuries such as those sustained in the Warrior Dash race often cost a veritable fortune to treat, and victims may not be able to return to work.
If you were injured due to another person or organization’s negligence in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and non-economic damages.
A Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Are Liability Waivers Enforceable under Louisiana Law?
When people participate in races and other physical activities, the organizers often require that they sign a liability waiver. However, according to Article 2004 of Louisiana’s Civil Code, “Any clause is null that, in advance, excludes or limits the liability of one party for causing physical injury to the other party.”
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
As such, even if a race participant signs a contract that says he or she will not make a personal injury claim against the race organizer, that contract is unenforceable in the state of Louisiana. As such, participants who sustain injuries due to the negligence of the race organizers may still be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages.
This principal applies to other liability waivers – for example, those that parents have to sign before their children can join sports teams. If a child athlete suffers heatstroke because his or her coach was negligent, then the coach – and possibly the sporting organization – would be liable for damages.
If you were injured due to the negligence of another person or organization in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC. A personal injury lawyer in Baton Rouge will handle the legal aspects of your claim while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
We will help you fight for the highest possible settlement, and if your case goes to trial, our attorneys have the litigation experience and resources to represent your interests in court. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
