WWE Is Still Not Rid Of WrestleMania Pyrotechnics Lawsuit
WWE has a lot of lawsuits and legal situation in their history. They just closed out an antitrust lawsuit with MLW, but now it appears that they are on their way to taking care fo the next legal mess. This particular lawsuit involves the pyro that many fans know and love.
PW Insider reports that Marvin Jackson, who previously filed a lawsuit against WWE over alleged injuries sustained during WrestleMania 38 in Dallas, will have an opportunity to argue for the lawsuit’s continuation in early 2024. The United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, dismissed the initial lawsuit, and the court is set to hear the argument during the week of 2/5/24.
Jackson filed the lawsuit against WWE on 1/12/23, claiming he lost hearing in his left ear due to a pyrotechnics blast during WrestleMania 38. The lawsuit sought a jury trial and more than $1,000,000 in monetary relief, covering damages, penalties, costs, expenses, prejudgment interest, and attorney’s fees.
Although the court initially dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, indicating it couldn’t be revived before the same court, Jackson filed an appeal that will be heard soon. WWE argued on 2/24 that fans had to agree to terms and conditions, including arbitration over legal issues, before purchasing WrestleMania tickets online.
The court ordered both parties to present supplemental material on potential arbitration, citing a legal precedent involving a cruise line. Jackson’s side argued against arbitration, asserting sufficient evidence to dispute Jackson’s notice of the arbitration agreement.
Despite Jackson’s attorneys requesting an oral hearing, it was not permitted. The court ruled that Jackson, despite his nephew’s purchase, was bound by the legal agreement for WrestleMania ticket purchase, necessitating arbitration. The original lawsuit accused WWE of negligence, gross negligence, and strict liability, claiming WWE was aware of the risks associated with pyrotechnics.
In terms of WWE’s liability, Jackson’s lawsuit contended that the use of indoor pyrotechnics constituted an “abnormally dangerous activity,” making WWE strictly liable for the damages. It emphasized the heightened risk of harm to invitees due to the proximity, indoor nature, and inherent danger of pyrotechnics.
The lawsuit argued that the potential harm from loud blasts in an indoor facility outweighed the marginal value of indoor pyrotechnic displays compared to the risks imposed on crowded audiences. The court will reconsider these arguments during the upcoming hearing.
We will keep our eye on this story, and so many more, here at Ringside News. You never know what will break next, especially with so many legal situations going on.
What’s your take on this pyro lawsuit? Does it sound like they have a case? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
December 19, 2023 1:19 pm
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