This discussion board is open for any questions or comments

This discussion board is open for any questions or comments in a new thread, but please address the following:

1. Do you agree with the decision in the Costa v. Boston Red Sox case? Why or why not?

2. Is it a good business decision for the Red Sox not to voluntarily pay for the injuries sustained by innocent spectators? Should they get an insurance policy for such injuries and absorb the costs as part of their business plan? Why or why not?

3. Should the court have dismissed the injury warning on the ticket in the case? Do you think Costa really had no idea that a ball could possibly come her way? Will signs in the stadium make any difference? How should businesses be required to warn their customers of these kinds of dangers?

CASE IS AVAILABLE READILY ONLINE

Solution

1) Personally I agree with the court decision in the case as Ms. Jane Costa has out of voluntary free will gone to visit the stadium to watch Red Sox play. And in spite of her having limited knowledge of baseball, it is fairly easy to understand the dangers that stray balls can cause and moreover there was a warning on the ticket which she had overlooked. Thus holding the baseball club guilty for any damages that may have occurred to her would not have been a fair thing.

2) It is a good business decision to not pay for the injuries as these would save the club additional expense. However it is not the most sound decision with regards to getting fan loyalty and commercial appeal of the club. It would definitely make sense for the club to reimburse the cost of insurance for such injuries as that would have a positive impact of greater fan base, loyalty among fans, brand building in a positive manner and more number of spectators for the game which would ultimately help growth in revenues.

3) No the court should not have dismissed the warning on the ticket as that is clear written signal for the spectator to be careful and take necessary precautions. It is unlikely for a person of average intelligence to be completely unaware that a stray ball may hit her in the stadium.

The signs in the stadium may reinforce the risk which is present and may force more spectators to take necessary precautions and be more alert. The businesses may employ warning signals on tickets, in the stadium and also through audio visual on the giant screen to make the audience aware of the potential risks.