The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise endured a dark time in 2011 when San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow was senselessly attacked in the Dodger Stadium parking lot following an Opening Day matchup between the two rivals.
Stow was severely injured and suffered brain damage that requires medical assistance for the remainder of his life. He filed a lawsuit against the Dodgers and former owner Frank McCourt, of which the team was found negligent during a July 2014 decision from a jury.
The Dodgers unfortunately found themselves in a similar position with another alleged attack in the Dodger Stadium parking lot following a March 2018 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Last night, an altercation occurred suddenly between two men who were leaving the stadium,” the Dodgers said in a statement at the time.
“One of the men was injured as a result of the altercation. A witness immediately reported the incident to stadium personnel, and emergency medical technicians were promptly dispatched to provide medical assistance at the scene. The matter is now being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Dodgers are cooperating fully with the investigation.”
The victim has now filed a lawsuit against the Dodgers, according to Nathan Feno of the L.A. Times:
A Riverside County man who suffered a fractured skull after being punched in the Dodger Stadium parking lot after a game last year alleged in a lawsuit that the lot didn’t have adequate lighting or security.
Filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the complaint on behalf of Rafael Reyna includes claims for negligence, premises liability and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
“The lack of LAPD-uniformed security personnel diminished the safety and security of Dodger Stadium by creating a more relaxed atmosphere without the threat of immediate police intervention,” the 16-page complaint said. “The atmosphere emboldened wrongdoers at the stadium.”
Reyna’s lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages.
The Dodgers made several changes and improvements in the wake of Stow’s attack, notably prohibiting tailgating at Dodger Stadium, adding more lighting and police/security presence.
The experience at Chavez Ravine is generally considered one of the more fan-friendly, and that was expected to be further enhanced with the $100 million Dodger Stadium renovation that is to be completed this season.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers additionally are part of a lawsuit that was brought forth against all 30 teams, StubHub and Ticketmaster, among other ticket companies, as two fans seek refunds.
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