A fan injured during the 2021 World Series between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros has announced they are taking legal action against both the Braves and former outfielder Jorge Soler.
Soler was named World Series MVP after his performance during the series providing Braves fans with exciting memories to last a lifetime. However, for one fan, the 2021 World Series will be remembered as a more painful one.
The fan states that they were seriously injured after Jorge Soler threw a ball into the stands and hit them in the eye. This is according to a report by Alexis Stevens from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (subscription required) that a lawsuit was filed in the Cobb County Superior Court.
Braves, former slugger Soler sued after fan injured during 2021 World Series https://t.co/SYXDzI0w0s
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) October 31, 2023
The injury apparently occurred before the fifth inning of Game 3 of the series. The fan was sitting in the right-field corner of Truist Park with a couple of family members.
According to the lawsuit, "Defendant Soler threw the ball with such force and speed that it hit Ms. Norris directly in her right eye causing extensive and excruciating injury to her right eye."
The fan was taken for treatment of their injuries at Truist Park shortly after it happened. They sustained multiple injuries according to the report.
The plaintiff in the case is seeking a jury trial and is seeking an undisclosed amount to help cover medical expenses and punitive damages. It appears the Atlanta Braves have declined to comment publicly on the matter at this time.
The lawsuit claims that the Atlanta Braves organization failed to protect fans who were at the game by allowing "reckless' and "dangerous" behavior from Jorge Soler. So, it seems this is a negligence case against both parties accused by the injured party.
Soler's representation has not responded to these allegations yet either. It's hard to know what will come of this as the legal process will need to play out. Balls being thrown or hit into the crowd is something that commonly happens but it's hard to say what will happen as every case is different.
We will provide updates as they are made available.