July 22nd, 2024

Attending concerts, festivals, or sporting events should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. However, these crowded public venues can quickly turn hazardous due to poor crowd management, inadequate security measures, and negligent event planning.

For instance, a lack of security and crowd control measures led to 10 deaths at the Astroworld Festival in 2021. This incident also resulted in hundreds of injuries among concertgoers.

If you’ve been injured at a public event in California, taking the proper steps is crucial for protecting your health, rights, and potential legal claims. A knowledgeable premises liability attorney at Berg Injury Lawyers can guide you through this process.

What to Do After an Accident at a Public Event

The moments after an injury at a public event can be disorienting and overwhelming. However, your actions during this time can affect your ability to seek compensation and hold negligent parties accountable. If you sustain an injury in a crowded or poorly managed venue, take the following steps:

  • Get Medical Care Immediately: Always make your health a priority. If your injuries seem serious, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. Even with minor injuries, seek medical attention to get a documented diagnosis and begin treatment. A medical evaluation establishes a clear record of your injuries, which can strengthen your case.
  • Notify Staff, Security, or the Police: Report the incident to event staff, security personnel, or the police as soon as possible. This creates a record of the accident and helps establish the date, time, and location. Request a copy of the incident report if one is available. The report should include details of the accident, witnesses present, and the responding staff member’s information.
  • Collect and Preserve Evidence: While still at the scene, document the accident with photos or videos on your phone. Capture pictures of the hazardous condition that caused your injury, the surrounding areas, and the visible injuries you sustained. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident; your attorney can contact them later to obtain testimony to support your claim.
  • Talk to an Attorney: Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer familiar with California’s premises liability laws. Our California slip-and-fall lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers can advise you on your legal options, gather evidence to build a strong case, and represent you in negotiations with the event organizer’s insurance company.

Legal Considerations

When injuries occur at public events, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Complex legal factors, such as liability, waivers, and insurance coverage, can impact your ability to recover compensation.

  • Liability: In California, different parties might be liable for injuries at public events. You may be able to hold the following parties liable if they fail to ensure a safe environment, whether that’s through poor maintenance, inadequate crowd control, or faulty equipment:
  • Property owners
    • Event organizers
    • Contractors providing equipment or security
  • Waivers: Some events may require attendees to sign waivers before entry. These waivers aim to limit the organizer’s liability for certain risks inherent to the event. However, California Civil Code Section 1668 restricts the enforceability of waivers in cases of gross negligence.

For instance, a waiver might not protect the organizer if they deliberately failed to address a known safety hazard that resulted in your injury. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand whether the waiver in your case is legally binding.

  • Insurance: Most public events carry liability insurance to cover potential injury claims. Venues often require up to $1 million or more in coverage, but this can depend on the event and location. Your attorney will investigate the event’s insurance coverage and work to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Liability insurance policies typically cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. Depending on the severity of the injury and the egregiousness of the negligence, punitive damages may also be recoverable.

Protect Your Rights After a Public Event Injury

Injuries at a public event can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. You shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone if you or a loved one has suffered harm because of negligent event planning, inadequate security measures, or unsafe conditions.

Our dedicated premises liability attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you’re owed. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let our experienced legal team guide you through this process with the compassionate support and aggressive representation you deserve.