Lawsuit Over Stadium Wall Injury
Athletics Third Baseman Zack Gelof Sues Detroit Tigers Over Comerica Park Injury
Anonymous
Athletics third baseman Zack Gelof has sued the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority over a knee injury he says he suffered at Comerica Park on July 9, 2026. The lawsuit alleges Gelof’s knee struck exposed, unpadded metal fencing as he slid to make a catch, causing a deep laceration and forcing him to miss about 30 days. It claims the defendants knew or should have known the fence posed a risk and failed to adequately pad, inspect or alter it; Gelof’s attorneys say padding was installed within weeks of the incident. Gelof is seeking damages for medical costs, lost wages, physical pain and other alleged losses.
Key Points
1
The complaint says the impact tore Gelof’s uniform and caused a deep cut beneath his kneecap that narrowly missed his patellar tendon; he left the game immediately afterward.
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The lawsuit brings claims including premises liability, negligence, negligent design and construction, and a claim invoking Michigan’s public-building exception to governmental immunity against the Stadium Authority.
3
The complaint says the Stadium Authority owns or controls Comerica Park, while the Tigers and Ilitch Holdings operate, manage and maintain the stadium.
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Gelof’s attorneys also allege there was inadequate clearance between the playing area and the fence and that defendants failed to warn players about the alleged hazard.
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Attorney Jon Marko said, “It doesn’t take a stadium design expert to realize that sharp metal fencing in an area where players are required to slide and play around is a recipe for disaster like the one that occurred here.”
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