Four fans injured by collapsing railing in FedEx Field trial

FedEx Field continues to be a poor installation. It is also a passive. Literally.

Via ESPN.com’s John Keim, four people injured when a collapsed railing after the end of a Jan. 2 game against the Eagles sued Commanders and others. The plaintiffs seek the jurisdictional minimum of at least $75,000 each to seek compensation “in excess of” $75,000 per person for “loss of income, medical expenses, pain and suffering.”

The plaintiffs are New Jersey residents and Eagles fans. The meltdown came as fans clamored to get the attention of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. He was nearly struck by falling bodies and debris.

The plaintiffs maintain that they continue to seek treatment for the injuries sustained as a result of the fall. The alleged harm included neck strains, muscle strains, bone bruises, cuts, headaches and “other potential long-term effects, both physical and emotional.”

Although the various defendants claim that they have no responsibility and/or try to blame the plaintiffs, the truth is that fans are not responsible for doing what fans should reasonably be expected to do. After a match, fans head to the tunnels in an attempt to get players’ attention. Guardrails designed to keep supporters away from players must be designed to support the weight of people leaning against them.

“It’s beyond negligence to skimp on a security measure in such a visible and busy area,” said attorney Bob Sokolove, who represents the plaintiffs. “Whether it’s an NCAA game, a professional basketball game, or the NFL, everyone comes into the tunnel where the players come out. The weight of everyone pushing in forward to get a high-five or a bracelet or whatever puts even more pressure on what were otherwise pathetic railings.

For plaintiffs, it becomes useful for the various defendants to fight amongst themselves over who is to blame. The reality is that someone is to blame. The best defense is to attempt to respectfully question the extent of the damage.

The best approach would be to solve the case. It does no one good to have depositions, documents and news reports that advance the perception that FedEx Field is a screwed up facility.