Madison Square Garden Injuries

An evening of watching your favorite sports team play or a celebrity perform at Madison Square Garden can quickly turn into an unexpected trip to the emergency room. That's because in a bustling arena like this, accidents can happen unexpectedly and for many different reasons. 

Unfortunately, these accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. That's not something we've just made up; people have actually been injured, and some have lost their lives at this specific arena. 

To give you some perspective, in March 2023, the son of a popular restaurant owner in New York City died after falling off an escalator at this very arena. The New York Post reported that the 61-year-old man fell two to three floors to his death. 

This is just an example of the many accidents that have occurred at MSG in recent times. If you or a loved one is a victim, contact Morgan and Morgan immediately to have your case reviewed by someone familiar with Madison Square Garden injuries and your rights in such a case. 

Common Madison Square Garden Injuries 

Most injuries caused by accidents at MSG are usually serious. That said, we know that each case is unique, and there is always a possibility that the injuries you sustained may be different from someone else's.

No matter your circumstances, we might be able to help fight for your rights. But before we get to that, let's take a look at some potential injuries that could result from an accident at Madison Square Garden and examples of situations that could contribute to these injuries.

Sprained Ankle

Sprained ankles can result from different scenarios. In an arena of MSG's magnitude, a stampede caused by rowdy crowds is all it takes to cause this type of injury. This is especially true in situations where you find yourself running or attempting to navigate through a crowded area. In the process of trying to get to safety, you could accidentally twist or roll your ankle on uneven surfaces, causing a painful sprain. 

Slip and fall accidents can also cause sprained ankles. Think of a situation where the cleaning staff did not put up signs warning visitors about wet or slippery surfaces. If you slip and fall in such an environment, a sprained ankle is one of the many different kinds of injuries you may sustain. 

Bruises and Contusions

Using crowd trouble as an example, with people scrambling and trying to escape the chaos, collisions are inevitable. In the midst of the chaos, you might find yourself in a situation where you're being pushed or bumped into by others. This kind of collision can lead to serious bruises or contusions on various parts of your body. 

Speaking of crowd trouble, MSG is not new to such incidents. In 1992, nine people died when a stampede broke out at the arena during a rap-celebrity basketball game, a real-life testament to how a peaceful event could turn rowdy in an instant. 

Head Injuries

These kinds of injuries are quite common in accidents that involve sudden impacts. For example, if a fight breaks out, a scenario we've witnessed many times before, you or a loved one might suffer serious head injuries if struck by an object.

The frightening reality is that these accidents don't even have to occur due to fights or crowd trouble. A slip and fall accident is also one of the common causes of head injuries that can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries, depending on the force and nature of the impact. 

Cuts and Lacerations

In the 1992 incident we referenced earlier, where at least nine people lost their lives, it was reported that some of the people involved suffered severe cuts. Specifically, one person was slashed by a razor-type knife and required multiple stitches. 

As we've clarified before, these injuries don't even have to occur due to crowd trouble. Some accidents, such as those caused by broken glass, sharp objects, or debris, could also lead to these kinds of injuries.

Take an example of a situation where there was an active construction project going on at the venue. Then, the venue temporarily suspends the construction project to allow visitors to attend the said event.

Under such circumstances, what could possibly go wrong? 

All it takes for you or a loved one to suffer serious injuries is the negligence of a construction worker or any other party at the venue. If they fail to secure construction equipment or clean up the area, you may step or bump into a sharp object. As a result, you could suffer cuts, lacerations, and other injuries. 

Fractures or Broken Bones

In any accident, there is always a risk of falling or being hit with significant force. And given some of the accidents we've discussed so far that could potentially occur at MSG, including those that have already occurred, the idea of suffering fractures and broken bones is not far-fetched. 

These injuries may occur particularly in situations where you fall awkwardly or experience a direct blow to a limb. Commonly affected areas include wrists, ankles, and arms.

Soft Tissue Injuries 

Certain accidents characterized by sudden movements, forceful impacts, or overexertion can cause soft tissue injuries. These injuries might include strains, sprains, or tears in muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Depending on how serious the accident was, the severity of the injuries sustained can vary from mild pain or discomfort to complete loss of function in the affected area.

Psychological Trauma

People who visit MSG usually have a strong attachment to a specific event or person highlighting the event. It could be a sports event, such as hockey, basketball, or even a performing artiste. 

For such people, getting injured at this venue is usually the last thing on their minds. So when these accidents happen, the impact may stretch beyond the physical aspect.

In other words, some people are never the same, especially mentally, after such accidents. Some end up developing a life-long fear of crowded areas. Others, particularly those who suffered serious injuries or lost their loved ones, may never sleep peacefully at night. Nightmares, stress, anxiety, depression, and unprovoked fear, are just some of the possible mental and psychological effects of such accidents.

What Should I Do if I Get Injured at Madison Square Garden?

Immediately after getting injured at Madison Square Garden, the first thing you need to do is to prioritize your health. Call 911 if you suffered serious injuries and request an ambulance. 

It is very important that you seek medical attention. This also applies if you did not suffer serious injuries. Only an experienced doctor can tell the extent of your injuries, that is, after running several tests. 

The main reason for getting checked by a doctor, even if you believe that your injuries aren't that serious, is to make sure that you did not suffer any injury with hidden symptoms. 

Such injuries can be pretty serious. For example, a sudden blow to your head could lead to a concussion. But some concussions usually have mild symptoms with serious consequences, including but not limited to the risk of permanent brain damage. 

The same applies to injuries that lead to internal bleeding. These occur when a blunt force raptures your blood vessels. When blood starts to clog your veins, your heart will begin pumping faster in search of oxygen. Within a few hours, you may lose consciousness or, worse still, succumb to the injuries. 

When you seek medical attention, make sure you obtain a copy of your medical record, but only if you are able to do so. These records can help show the severity of your injuries and substantiate your claim for compensation.

If possible, report the incident to the appropriate authorities or venue staff. They will most likely give you an accident report form to fill out. If so, ensure the information you provide is truthful and to the best of your memory. Do not exaggerate your injuries. Similarly, do not say you feel fine — that's up to your doctor to determine after conducting several tests. 

Also, if circumstances allow, you should gather any evidence available, such as photos or videos of the accident scene or the dangerous condition that caused your injuries. Was it a wet floor, construction equipment, or a defective escalator? Whatever it is, document everything to the best of your ability. 

Finally, fill out the free case evaluation form on our website to have your case reviewed by a member of our legal team. If it is valid, we might be able to fight for your right to compensation.

What Damages Can a Premises Liability Lawyer Help Me Recover If I Was Injured at Madison Square Garden?

The shorter answer to this question is: it depends on the specifics of your case. The longer answer is that such injuries can lead to various damages, as pointed out below. 

• Current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
• Lost income and any future loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering you have endured due to the accident and subsequent injuries.
• Disability or disfigurement (if applicable). 
• Damage to your personal property, such as a car, cell phone, or other belongings. 
• Funeral expenses and lost financial support if your loved one died in the accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Injuries Sustained at Madison Square Garden?

Liability may fall on many different parties, including but not limited to the following: 

• The owner or operator of the premises, Madison Square Garden, in this case. This is because they have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for their visitors.  
• Event organizers or promoters if the accident occurred due to negligent planning, poor crowd control techniques, or inadequate security.
• Third-party vendors or contractors working within Madison Square Garden, such as a food service provider or maintenance company. 
• Other visitors, especially if their negligent behavior or intentional actions, such as assault, caused your injuries.

How Can Morgan and Morgan Help?

If your case is valid, a Morgan and Morgan premises liability lawyer can help investigate the circumstances that led to your injuries. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, review surveillance footage (if available), and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

The only way you may be able to secure compensation for your injuries and losses is by knowing who is responsible in the first place. Our attorney will assess the actions or negligence of the various parties involved, as discussed earlier, and determine who may be liable for your injuries. 

We will also assess your damages and determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Once we know what to claim, we will file the claim with the liable party and begin negotiations with them on your behalf.  

In cases like these, there is always a possibility that a fair settlement may not be reached through negotiations. But that should not be a problem because our attorneys are always ready to go to court to fight for our client's rights.

Don't Give Up Your Claim; Fight for the Compensation You Deserve

Madison Square Garden makes millions of dollars annually from hosting events at the world-renowned venue. The least they can do is make the venue safe for visitors. So if you or a loved one has been harmed at this arena, New York City's premises liability laws allow you to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. 

Contact us today to learn more.