Kansas City Royals Lawsuit
The “baseball law” is a legal standard protecting baseball teams and other sports teams from being sued by any fan for an injury they received due to the playing of the game. This means a foul ball knocking a fan unconscious is not means for legal action. But in a 2009 September game in Kansas City, Royals fan John Coomer was hit in the eye buy a foil wrapped hot dog, leading to $4,800 in surgery. This bizarre occurrence has taken center stage in the past weeks in both the legal community and the baseball world.
The 4,800-dollar hot dog was tossed behind the back by “Sluggerr,” the Royals mascot, somewhat carelessly into the stands. Coomer felt as if the carelessness of the mascot and the expensive injuries he received were enough to give him a decent case in the court of law. The Jackson County court originally decided two years ago that the Royals franchise was not at fault for the injuries, and that Coomer should have been more aware of his surroundings.
There was another oral hearing about the case in the Missouri State Supreme court last month, but they have yet to come to a consensus on the matter.
Coomers’ expenses included a surgery to repair a detached retina and another to remove a cataract and implant an artificial lens. Coomer says he plans on suing the franchise for over $20,000.
“He should have been more aware of his surroundings,” said Urbana High School Counselor Kevin Floress.”But at the same time, it’s reasonable to be upset. I would understand getting hit by a baseball or a bat because he’s at a baseball game. A hot dog is a little more unexpected, and I can understand his frustration.”
This case is one of very few court cases in history dealing with sports mascots, and who is responsible for their actions. Because of this, it is unclear whether or not the Kansas City Royals should be liable for the careless hot dog toss of that fateful September day.
About The Author
Everyone is talking about him, but no one is asking about how my face felt after I hit him.