On the opening day of a baseball season, a San Francisco Giants fan named Bryan Stow attended a game at Dodgers Stadium. After the game, while trying to hail a taxi, he was accosted and brutally beaten by two men who targeted him for wearing opposing-team apparel.
Violent crimes like this are rare but can occur wherever groups gather: stadiums, shopping-center parking lots, apartment courtyards, restaurants or outside libraries. Business owners should consider how an incident on or near their property could affect customers, employees and the company’s finances.
Lessons for business owners
- The amount of liability insurance matters. Limiting insurance to save on premiums can leave a business exposed if a severe incident occurs on or near the property.
- Liability policies often cover defense costs. Legal defense in major cases can be costly, especially in large cities, so check whether your policy includes defense-cost coverage beyond settlement or judgment limits.
- Indirect or incidental relationships can create exposure. Plaintiffs may name many parties with even slight connections to an incident, which multiplies defense needs and potential sources of payment.
- Security and video surveillance are important deterrents and evidence sources. Monitored cameras and visible security can deter trouble and help document events before they escalate.
- Incidents can harm revenue and reputation. Customer attendance and sales can drop after a high-profile event, causing significant financial consequences beyond legal costs.
The Stow family’s lawsuit named many parties connected to the stadium and team operations; shareholders, operators and even individual owners can be drawn into litigation. For more on how such incidents connect to venue and ownership issues, see Bryan Stow Incident and Legal Implications.
Beyond legal exposure, an incident can affect ticket sales, sponsorships and broader business revenue. For guidance on handling injury risk and insurance in sports and related businesses, consider resources like Managing Injuries and Insurance in Sports and Business.
Every business should assess how an event like this could affect operations, take practical steps to reduce risk, and review insurance limits and coverages. If you want personalized guidance, talk to an agent about protecting your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will general liability insurance cover assaults that occur on my property?
Many general liability policies can respond to third-party injuries that occur on your premises, but coverage varies by policy and circumstance, so you should review your policy details with an agent.
Are security cameras helpful from an insurance perspective?
Yes — cameras can deter misconduct and provide evidence that helps insurers, investigators and law enforcement understand what happened, which may reduce liability and defense costs.
What steps can a small business take immediately to reduce exposure?
Start by assessing visitor flow and lighting, training staff on de-escalation and emergency response, and reviewing insurance limits and defense-cost provisions with your agent.