A lawsuit filed in an Arizona court alleges that a baseball thrown during a May 20 game at PK Park in Eugene struck Kimberly Johnson in the face, causing a facial contusion, laceration and a cascade of secondary injuries.
Negligence Claims
According to the complaint, the portion of the backstop safety net where the ball passed through was already damaged and had not been repaired before the game. No warning signs were posted to alert spectators to the compromised protection, leaving attendees unaware of the heightened risk.
Injuries and Ongoing Impact
Johnson suffered a facial contusion and laceration, fractured a tooth, and experienced a shift in her lower jaw that has produced persistent breathing difficulties, jaw and tooth pain, headaches and measurable cognitive deficits. Medical professionals have documented the need for continued treatment, estimating future expenses of roughly $50,000 in addition to the $20,000 already incurred.
Damages Sought
The plaintiff is requesting a judgment for $70,000 in economic damages and non‑economic damages that do not exceed $430,000, citing both the immediate medical costs and the long‑term impact on her quality of life.
The case underscores growing scrutiny of stadium safety protocols, particularly the maintenance of protective netting and the communication of potential hazards to fans. If successful, the litigation could prompt stricter inspection regimes and clearer signage at collegiate baseball venues nationwide.