Metaverse Injuries: Understanding Virtual Harm and Your Legal Rights

The Metaverse, Meta’s digital universe where users interact through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), has opened up new frontiers in entertainment, work, and socialization. 

But as more people immerse themselves in these virtual worlds, a concerning trend has emerged: injuries and legal disputes arising from Metaverse interactions. From physical injuries caused by VR headsets to abuse and harassment in virtual spaces, the risks are real.

Morgan & Morgan, the largest personal injury law firm in America, is at the forefront of legal advocacy in emerging technologies. Our attorneys are here to help those who suffer harm in the Metaverse, whether due to product defects, physical accidents, or even digital abuse.

In short, if you get hurt or abused in the Metaverse, you may be entitled to compensation, and Morgan & Morgan can help. Better yet, the Fee Is Free®, and you only pay if we win your case. 

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

VR Physical Injuries: A Real-World Problem

One of the most common dangers of VR technology is physical injury. While the Metaverse exists in digital form, users must physically move and interact with their environment, often without full awareness of their surroundings.

Common VR Injuries

• Head and Neck Injuries: Users wearing VR headsets can trip, fall, or collide with objects, resulting in concussions, whiplash, and even spinal injuries.
• Broken Bones and Sprains: Intense physical activity while using VR can lead to sprains, fractures, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
• Eye Strain and Vision Damage: Prolonged VR use can cause eye fatigue, dizziness, and, in some cases, long-term vision problems.
• Motion Sickness and Neurological Effects: The immersive experience can trigger motion sickness and, for some, symptoms resembling seizures.

Who Is Liable for VR Injuries?

Determining liability for VR-related injuries can be complex. It may involve:

• Manufacturers of VR Devices: If a headset or controller is defective, causing an injury, the manufacturer could be held liable.
• VR Developers and Platform Providers: If the software lacks proper safety features, fails to provide adequate warnings, or encourages risky behaviors, the developer may be responsible.
• Property Owners and Businesses: VR arcades, entertainment venues, and workplaces using VR must ensure safe environments for users.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to VR use, Morgan & Morgan can help assess your case and determine who is responsible.

Product Liability for Augmented Reality (AR) Systems

Unlike VR, which immerses users in a digital world, AR overlays virtual elements onto the real world. AR applications, such as the hit game Pokémon GO, have led to real-world accidents, raising concerns about product liability.

AR-Related Accidents and Injuries

• Pedestrian Accidents: Users engrossed in AR experiences may walk into traffic, causing serious injuries.
• Distracted Driving: AR apps that require interaction while driving can lead to crashes.
• Property Damage: Businesses and homeowners have reported damages from individuals trespassing while playing AR-based games.

Legal Challenges in AR Product Liability Cases

• Negligence of App Developers: If an AR application encourages dangerous behavior without proper warnings, developers may be liable.
• Hardware Malfunctions: AR headsets with defective design or poor user tracking can lead to injuries.
• Third-Party Liability: If a business integrates AR into its operations without considering safety risks, it may be responsible for resulting injuries.

At Morgan & Morgan, our product liability attorneys specialize in holding companies accountable for defective technology and software negligence. If you were harmed due to an AR-related incident, we can help pursue compensation.

Abuse and Harassment in the Metaverse

As the Metaverse expands, reports of abuse, harassment, and cybercrimes have increased. Unlike traditional social media, virtual spaces enable users to engage in immersive interactions, making certain forms of misconduct more invasive and traumatic.

Forms of Abuse in the Metaverse

• Sexual Harassment and Assault: VR and AR avatars can engage in non-consensual actions, leading to psychological harm.
• Verbal Harassment and Hate Speech: Cyberbullying and targeted harassment have become significant issues in virtual worlds.
• Stalking and Doxxing: Users can track, follow, or reveal personal information of others without consent.
• Financial Exploitation: Scams and fraud in virtual economies, including cryptocurrency-based transactions, have led to financial losses.
• Extortion: Threatening with the intent of financial gain. Hackers have been known to listen to users' activities without their consent or knowledge and could use your information to extort money from you.    
• Data breaches: Companies are collecting biometric data and all of your physical responses to better understand users' behavior. Data collectors have a duty to protect their user's information and inform them when a data breach occurs. 

Legal Recourse for Victims

While laws governing virtual spaces are still evolving, victims of Metaverse-related abuse may have legal options, including:

• Civil Lawsuits for Emotional Distress: Victims of virtual harassment may sue perpetrators or platforms that failed to enforce safety measures.
• Criminal Charges for Digital Misconduct: Depending on jurisdiction, some forms of cyber harassment may be prosecutable offenses.
• Corporate Accountability: Social VR platforms may be held liable for failing to moderate harmful content or protect users from abuse.

Morgan & Morgan’s digital rights attorneys understand the unique challenges of Metaverse abuse cases and are prepared to fight for justice on behalf of victims.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

As a leader in personal injury and consumer protection law, Morgan & Morgan is committed to advocating for victims of Metaverse-related harm. Whether you were physically injured using VR, harmed by defective AR products, or suffered abuse in virtual spaces, our attorneys can help.

Our firm stays ahead of evolving technology laws to represent clients in new and complex cases, and with a proven track record of over $25 billion recovered through settlements and successful verdicts, we have the expertise to take on tech giants and major corporations.

Plus, as the nation’s largest personal injury law firm with offices in every state across the country, our nationwide reach ensures that no matter where you are, we can provide top-tier legal representation.

As the Metaverse grows, so do the risks associated with its use. Whether you’ve suffered a physical injury from VR, been harmed by defective AR systems, or experienced harassment in virtual spaces, you don’t have to face it alone. Morgan & Morgan is here to fight for your rights and help you secure the justice you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in the Metaverse, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. We fight For the People—both in the real world and in the digital one.