Wisconsin is a great state for football fans from the high school level right up to the Green Bay Packers and other NFL teams. If a medical emergency arises while you’re attending a game, you would hope for a reasonable level of emergency medical care. One fan’s death from a heart attack during a recent NFL game in Philadelphia shows a wrongful death might be the final outcome.
Dead fan’s brother blames Lincoln Financial Field officials
A wrongful death lawsuit filed in October in Pennsylvania accuses the Philadelphia Eagles, National Event Services and Lincoln National Field of wrongful death when the plaintiff’s brother suffered a heart attack while attending a game against the visiting Detroit Lions in September 2019. The plaintiff says there were no available first responders or medical equipment to provide emergency medical care. Instead, a bystander attempted CPR on the man but could not prevent his death.
Obligation to provide suitable emergency aid
The lawsuit says the event lacked suitable medical equipment and staff to provide emergency services at an event that drew more than 65,000 fans plus support staff. It’s alleged that because the venue did not have sufficient emergency medical personal and emergency medical equipment on hand, the man died of the heart attack after he arrived at nearby Jefferson University Hospital. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages.
Public safety is a constant concern
Whether you are attending a public or private event, the event organizers are responsible for providing a safe environment. That includes having sufficient emergency medical equipment and staff available to tend to people who might suffer medical emergencies. The more people an event draws, the more likely one or more will need some type of emergency medical services. If a wrongful death or personal injury occurs due to the negligence of the venue or another responsible party, an experienced attorney may help you to build the case for compensation.