Can Soccer Fields With Gopher Holes Be Considered a Premises Liability Issue?

 Posted on August 08, 2023 in Premises Liability

As parents, we all want to prioritize the safety of our children while allowing them to explore and pursue exciting activities. Imagine a sunny day in California when young soccer players are passionately engaged in a match, only to encounter sudden twists and falls due to hidden gopher holes on the field. These unanticipated hazards can easily lead to severe injuries like torn ligaments and broken bones. These injuries can be expensive to heal and may affect a budding athlete’s ability forever. According to a recent study, inadequate sports facilities and fields are the leading cause of soccer player injuries. If your child has been injured as a result of a poorly maintained soccer field, you may have a premises liability case on your hands.

Negligence of Field Maintenance

In California, those participating in sports must sign a waiver, acknowledging the risks involved. Consequently, if your child sustains an injury while playing soccer, legal action against the team or an aggressive teammate may not be feasible.

However, in cases where a personal injury results from the negligence of field maintenance, you might have a valid premises liability claim. The lack of proper maintenance and safety protocols on soccer fields significantly increases the risk of harm to young athletes, who are still growing and developing physically.

Understanding Premises Liability

Premises liability is the law that refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to maintain a safe environment for visitors. In this context, the entity responsible for maintaining the soccer field could potentially be held liable for negligence if injuries occur due to their failure to address hazardous conditions, such as gopher holes.

Premises liability laws exist to make sure property owners, business owners, and public parks are all responsible for keeping their spaces safe. When it comes to public parks, it is the government's duty to maintain them properly and look after visitors. If they fail to do that, it could be considered negligence. To hold them accountable you have to show that the injury happened because of negligence. Basically, you have to prove that they knew or should have known about a hazard and did nothing to protect you.

Contact a Riverside County, CA Premises Liability Lawyer

If you or your child has been injured as a result of a poorly maintained soccer field, contact Maineri Law Firm. We can guide you through a slip-and-fall injury claim and help you get the compensation that you deserve. A skilled Riverside County premises liability attorney is also prepared to take your case to court. Call 951-698-4200 for a free consultation.  

Source:

https://extension.psu.edu/turf-management-athletic-field-conditions-and-injuries-in-high-school-football