Fans Injured in FedEx Field Railing Collapse Reach Settlement With Washington Commanders

Four fans who sustained injuries after a stadium railing collapsed at a 2022 NFL game have reached a confidential settlement with the Washington Commanders. The incident occurred at FedEx Field in Maryland following a Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Football Team game, when fans leaned over a railing to greet players and fell several feet onto concrete after the railing failed.

The legal case initially faced complications over whether the plaintiffs were bound to arbitrate due to a clause in the terms of their tickets. Although a district court initially allowed the lawsuit to proceed, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision in October 2024. The appellate court found that the arbitration clause likely applied, citing Maryland law and principles of apparent authority since the tickets were purchased on the plaintiffs’ behalf by a friend using a smartphone app.

Rather than continue with litigation or arbitration, the parties entered into negotiations. On July 4, 2025, they notified the court that a settlement had been reached. While the settlement amount remains undisclosed, the original complaint sought damages exceeding $300,000 for the group.

This case underscores the growing influence of arbitration clauses in ticketing agreements and how courts may interpret agency relationships in digital purchases, especially in the context of mass ticketing practices common at live events.