During the summer months, there are hundreds of outdoor gatherings hosted throughout Ontario. Whether be in large cities, or in the country side, festivals and outdoor concerts attract hundreds of thousands of attendees every year (excluding those staffed at these events). While many enjoy great food, music and entertainment at these outings, these events are also prone to catering to minor and major injuries. Due to poor management, some of these events are overcrowded, inadequately staffed, and boast large price tags which can limit one’s accessibility to proper medical care and attention. If you are a victim of an accident or injury that has been endured at an outdoor festival, concert or event, you should know that those in charge are responsible for your health and saftey once you enter the event premise. It is the responsibility of those in charge to assume event premise liability, for the possibility of accidents and injuries are way too high.

Common Risks of Festivals and Outdoor Concerts Injuries

When organizing an outdoor event, a great deal of planning and staffing is required to ensure that the schedule runs smoothly, but also to ensure the saftey and management of the huge crowds that tend to develop. Given that many of these events serve alcohol, and some attendees are providing and consuming illicit drugs, the tendency for misjudgement and dangerous crowd behaviour increases. Whether be assault, harassment or rough handling from security staff, crowd control and how to manage and avoid such should be taken under careful consideration by those in charge.

Since these events are outdoors, it is also the duty of the organizers to take the weather into consideration. Rain and wind can create an increase in the amount of slips and falls that may occur. Extreme weather conditions such as a extreme heat, high winds and thunderstorm can create hazardous situations and can question the integrity of equipment, props, stands, ramps, gates, etc. The lack of a proper emergency plan to deal with these natural forces can lead to hazardous conditions and an increase in injury to both staff and attendees.

Important Claim Evidence

Given that these events often are attended for one day, or are present in their location for a few days, it is important to note all details possible related to your injury. Key information to record include:

• The type of injury endured (do not leave out even the minor cuts and bruises)
• Location of where the injury took place
• If anyone was involved in the incident, as well as their personal information
• Any staff you may have spoken to regarding the incident (including their name, company they work for, position, and any identification markers such as an employee number)
• Name and contact information of any witnesses to the incident, or anyone else who was injured as a result of the incident
• Photos of where the incident occurred, what caused the injury, as well as the injuries themselves.

Photos become a huge asset in concert and event premise liability cases because often the location of where the incident happened is dissembled within hours or days of occurrence. Obtaining visual evidence will help your case greatly and support any insurance claims you may file.

Seek Medical Attention

Upon sustaining an injury at an outdoor event, such as a festival or concert, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many attendees who are part of an incident resulting in injury put off seeking medical attention either because they don’t want to miss out on the fun of the event, or transportation and access to proper medical care is unavailable. It is pivotal that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, not just for you health but also to have evidence for any claim you may file against those holding the events, as well as if you are planning to file a disability insurance claim. Time is of the essence and can be used against you; that being said, if one has been consuming alcohol, they may not be immediately aware of any pain or the severity of their injury until after the fact. Seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure optimal health and saftey for yourself, as well as to solidify, with medical documentation, any injury claim you may have.

Do not forget to keep all invoices/receipts you may have from seeking treatment. These pieces of evidence will be used in the calculation of any damages you may seek. If you are required to pay out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions, make sure to keep a record of such. If you require the aid of any rehabilitation, make sure to keep a record of those costs, including equipment such as crutches, walkers, etc.. When possible, any letters from therapists who are aiding in the rehabilitation process (whether be for physical or psychological pain) should provide in writing an outline of the extent of your injury. This will be collected and used in your case as evidence through medical documentation.

Whether you are ticket holder, or staffed by the event, if you sustain an injury at an outdoor event, you are entitled to medical care and should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Premise liability is not bias to those who work or attend events.

In Conclusion

When crowds can be in the 100s, and raise to the thousands in attendees, it is the obligation of the event holders to ensure hazard free grounds as well as proper security to manage any unruly goers. Vital human rights need to be managed as well, with things such as a sufficient amount of restrooms, water, and access to first-aid. When there is negligence on the part of an event, the results can be tumultuous and add up quickly.

Outdoor festivals and concerts are suppose to be fun-loving events. No one wants to be hurt during a time when they are seeking to enjoy the outdoors and the things they love to see and do. If you are a victim of a premise related injury, have been injured as a result of a hazardous outdoor event, be sure to speak with a personal injury lawyer / disability attorney.

Hire a Trustworthy Lawyer

TSF Law understands that those who endure injury at a concert or outdoor event are often marginalized and mismanaged by the event staff. Whether from the onset of announcement of injury, or when filing a legal claim, you should never be left to feel minimized when deciding to file a legal lawsuit. Furthermore, just because you were attending an event for leisure activity, and may have consumed alcohol at this event, it does not mean that you are not entitled to certain benefits when filing a claim with your personal insurance or group benefits. When an incident occurs, resulting in injury, you are entitled to the proper leave and medical support required to heal and manage your injury.

If you have received a denied insurance claim, filed as a result of an incident that took place at an outdoor event, be sure to call us at your earliest convenience. TSF Law is a trustworthy personal injury lawyer who is also deemed one of the best insurance claims lawyers serving Ontario.