Worker sues NFL, ESPN for fall while building stage at 2017 draft

The NFL and broadcast partner ESPN have been named in a lawsuit filed by a New Jersey man who alleges he sustained injuries from a 30-foot fall that took place while he was helping to construct a temporary stage at the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia.

Brian Crowthers filed the lawsuit in January, claiming the incident was the result of "improper fall protection and prevention," according to John O'Brien and Marian Johns of Forbes. He allegedly sustained a ruptured spleen, lung hemorrhage, loss of consciousness, broken ribs, and head trauma while building a temporary amphitheater in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

"Prior to the date of the accident, Defendant, ESPN, knew or should have known of the hazardous and unsafe work practices that existed. Defendant, ESPN, breached the duties that it owed to Plaintiff," the lawsuit reads.

Crowthers is seeking in excess of $50,000 from each defendant.