According to CBS Sports, San Francisco 49ers’ running back, Reggie Bush, is claiming he lost his footing on a concreate sideline area on November 1 behind the players’ benches at the Edwards Jones Dome. As a result, he suffered a season-ending injury. Bush slipped on the uncovered concrete area after planting his feet while trying to slow down after a punt return. Bush fell, slid into a wall, and was taken away with a torn MCL to his left knee. He later had surgery and was put on the injured reserve list.
According to CBS Sports, Bush plans to pursue a negligence case involving the Edward Jones Dome. The dome is owned and operated by the city of St. Louis. Bush is said to be seeking compensation for lost wages (despite the fact that he will be paid in full for the 2015 season), possible lost wages for the 2016 season if he can’t play because of his injury, compensation for pain and suffering due to his injury, surgery, and rehabilitation. Additionally, Bush is seeking punitive damages aimed at punishing the Edwards Jones Dome for not fixing the hazard and to deter other establishments from doing the same thing. It is unclear at this time how much money Bush is seeking, but his current contract with the 49ers is reported to be worth $2.5 million.
St. Louis Rams Knew of the Danger at the Edward Jones Dome
A week before Bush’s accident, Cleveland Browns QB Josh McCown suffered an injury to his shoulder after slipping on the same concrete area. McCown did return to the game.
The NFL Players’ Association contacted the NFL about player safety at the stadium following the accidents of Bush and McCown. The Rams told the city and the league that they were going to cover that concreate area before their next game with the Chicago Bears on November 15. It is not yet clear how much it will cost to cover the concreate sideline area at the Edward Jones Dome. What is becoming more clear is that the city should have spent the money to take care of it before the season even started.
After the two accidents, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said there had never been an issue in the “hundreds of games” previously played at the dome. He added that the team had some discussions “with the NFL league office to see if there’s something we can do”. Fisher said player safety was “of the utmost importance”, and said, “We’re going to do whatever we need to do to make sure that we don’t have another issue with it”.
This lawsuit might not be about the money as much as it is about standing up for what’s right. The concrete sideline at the Edwards Jones Dome creates an unnecessary danger.
St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been hurt in an accident where you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you need to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
CONTACT the Lieser Law Firm today for you FREE case evaluation.