Another Update On Fan Lawsuit Against WWE
WWE seeks to move fan lawsuit to arbitration
WWE recently requested the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut to transfer a lawsuit filed by Richard Bryant to arbitration. The case revolves around an incident at a Friday Night Smackdown event in Orlando, Florida, where Bryant claims he sustained injuries in July 2022. WWE argues that Bryant is bound by Ticketmaster.com’s terms, which stipulate that disputes arising from ticket purchases must be resolved through arbitration. The company has emphasized that they have not waived their right to arbitration, insisting that Bryant must adhere to this procedure.
Details of Bryant’s lawsuit
Bryant’s lawsuit alleges that WWE’s negligence resulted in his injuries. He claims that the organization failed to provide adequate warnings about the dangers of pyrotechnics, did not conduct proper testing, failed to operate pyrotechnics safely, and did not employ or train competent staff. Additionally, he asserts that WWE lacked appropriate policies for the safe use of pyrotechnics and did not inform him of potential risks. Bryant claims to have suffered various physical and psychological injuries, including a traumatic rupture of his right eardrum, bilateral tinnitus, hearing loss in his right ear, and psychological distress. He anticipates incurring ongoing medical expenses as a result of his injuries. Interestingly, Bryant’s lawsuit also mentions issues with his left foot, indicating a possible error or confusion with another case. Bryant is seeking $15,000 in damages, with a trial date scheduled for August 18, 2025, unless resolved earlier.
Comparison with a previous case
WWE previously faced a similar case involving Marvin Jackson, who alleged hearing loss from pyrotechnics at Wrestlemania 38 in Dallas. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ultimately ruled that Jackson’s claims must be resolved through arbitration. Despite Jackson’s initial request for over $1,000,000 in damages, the case was referred to arbitration without any subsequent updates.
Source : wrestlingheadlines.com