August 29, 2016
A lawsuit has reportedly been filed against a Major League Baseball team after a South Jersey woman was struck by a ball during batting practice.
Dana Morelli, 47, of Camden County, claimed in the lawsuit that the Milwaukee Brewers were negligent for not providing protection from balls and failure to warn fans of danger, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
The lawsuit was filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court earlier this month.
According to the lawsuit, Morelli attended a game at Miller Park on Aug. 6, 2014. She reached her seats along the third base line when a foul ball struck her in the face.
She sustained an orbital fracture, nerve damage and a concussion, according to the lawsuit. Those injuries reportedly forced her to remain in a dark room for several days before returning to her New Jersey home.
Morelli's lawyer argues that the team violated Wisconsin's "safe place statute," which requires property owners to "reasonably" protect employees and visitors.
In Philadelphia, the debate over fan safety at Citizens Bank Park has recently been a hot topic.
Last week, Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis hit a foul ball into the stands that injured a young girl.
After the game, Galvis called for the team to expand the protective netting (via CSNPhilly):
“I think it’s getting a little bit frustrating seeing some fans getting hit with a foul ball," Galvis said. "Like I said before, I think the Major Leagues these days should do a better job taking care of the fans. You have to take care of the people who give you the money. The fans give you the money.”
Incidentally, the Phillies were among the first MLB teams to expand safety netting in December.
The Brewers also lengthened safety netting at the ballpark before the season began, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
