Stephanie Duluc, 37, has sued the New York Yankees for $10 million after a bat flew into the stands and struck her in the head during a June 2 game, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury and lasting damage. The complaint alleges the protective netting in her fourth-row section behind home plate was "significantly lower," creating an unprotected opening. Her attorney says a recent TV appearance does not indicate recovery. The case may confront the century-old "Baseball Rule," though stadiums can still be liable if protections are inadequate.
Yankees Hit With $10M Lawsuit After Fan Struck by Flying Bat Behind Home Plate
A Yankees fan is suing the team after she was struck in the head by a flying baseball bat, leaving her with traumatic brain injuries, according to a lawsuit (Getty)
A New York Yankees fan has filed a $10 million lawsuit after she was struck in the head by a flying baseball bat while seated at a June 2 game, according to court papers.
The complaint, filed in Manhattan federal court, says 37-year-old Stephanie Duluc was sitting in a fourth-row seat directly behind home plate when a bat belonging to Cleveland Guardians infielder Jose Ramirez flew into her section during the fifth inning. Protective netting meant to shield fans from foul balls and airborne equipment allegedly failed to stop the bat.
The suit states the bat struck Duluc "with such force that it knocked her from her seat and violently threw her to the ground, causing her to sustain severe and permanent injuries." Duluc reportedly suffered a traumatic brain injury and concussion, developed severe light sensitivity, and sustained lasting damage to her neck and hands. The complaint says these injuries have prevented her from returning to her job as chief of staff at Bronx-based SOMOS Community Care, which owns the seats in that section.
The lawsuit alleges the protective netting in Duluc's section was "significantly lower" than in adjacent areas, leaving an "unprotected opening" through which the bat entered. It names the Yankees as responsible for failing to provide adequate protection to fans in that area.
"Ms. Duluc continues to suffer significant residual deficits from her traumatic brain injury, including persistent headaches, sensitivity to light, balance issues, and other cognitive impairments," said her attorney, Jon L. Norinsberg. He added that a brief television appearance by Duluc should not be taken as evidence she has recovered.
The case could face legal hurdles under the century-old "Baseball Rule," a doctrine that often shields teams and stadium owners from liability for injuries caused by foul balls, bats, or similar objects. However, courts have held stadiums liable in cases where protections were inadequate or where there was a known risk that was not addressed.
The lawsuit remains pending in Manhattan federal court. The Independent contacted the Yankees for comment.
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