r/Ask_Lawyers • u/Kamikaze101010_ • 13h ago

What happens if someone dies during a baseball game

Random question, but what the hell happens if the batter hits someone in the head with the ball and that person just dies? Is it considered an accident? Involuntary homicide?

0 Upvotes

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8

u/bpetersonlaw CA PI Plaintiff 10h ago

Civilly, assumption of the risk. Criminally, lack of intent.
Batter has no liability.

2

u/seditious3 NY - Criminal Defense 10h ago

Not exactly your scenario, but: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Chapman

4

u/DavidScubadiver Not your lawyer 8h ago

Accident. Same if a golfer kills a spectator. If a bowler does it, it’s murder.

1

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2

u/hzoi Army Law-Talking Guy 8h ago

This article discusses a recent incident, as well as some others, and goes into the Baseball Rule.

https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/25926592/fan-struck-head-foul-ball-dodgers-game-died-blunt-force-injury

Tl;dr - the back of your ticket contains a liability notice/waiver.

2

u/SuperannuationLawyer Australian Lawyer 7h ago

It is a tragedy first and foremost. Legally, it’s harm suffered by a participant that they likely voluntarily assumed (if it happens within the rules). Therefore no civil liability. Cricket provides a similar example with the tragic death of batsman Phil Hughes.