Fan Sues Dallas Cowboys for Burned Butt
A Texas woman has brought an interesting lawsuit against the Dallas Cowboys, suing the team and owner Jerry Jones for allegedly burning her butt.
Jennelle Carrillo received severe burns to her butt after allegedly sitting on a bench outside Cowboys Stadium, reports CBS. In her lawsuit, the woman says that the incident occurred in August 2010 during the Cowboys' Blue & Silver scrimmage game.
Carrillo says that temperatures at the time were well over 100 degrees. And after sitting on the bench, Carrillo says that she suffered third-degree burns that required skin grafts.
The lawsuit claims that the Dallas Cowboys had a duty to warn patrons about sitting on the benches. The benches were uncovered, made of marble, and openly exposed to the sun. Carrillo claims this combination caused the bench to become extremely hot and unreasonable dangerous, reports CBS.
While this lawsuit may seem preposterous on first blush, Carrillo may actually have a viable claim.
As the owner of a facility that attracts members of the public, the Dallas Cowboys had a duty to keep its patrons reasonably safe. So when the organization provides benches and seating areas for its visitors, there is likely a reasonable expectation that these seating areas will not severely injure you. In Jennelle Carrillo's case, the woman says that she simply sat down in an area meant for sitting, and she ended up being hospitalized and requiring a skin graft.
This lawsuit is going to be a pain in the butt for Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones. With the season only a few weeks away, he may want to settle the case. Otherwise, he could face a much bigger loss if the case goes to trial.
Related Resources:
- Woman sues Cowboys, claims bench burned buttocks (The Associated Press)
- Can You Sue if You're Hurt at a Sporting Event? (FindLaw's Injured)
- Camping Injuries: Who to Sue if a Tree Falls on You (FindLaw's Injured)