The fun of live music, the buzz of a sports game, the excitement of cultural get-togethers – these are the things that attract people to concerts, festivals, and big events. But with so many people around and the way these events work, there’s also worry about safety and who might be responsible if something goes wrong.
According to the personal injury attorneys at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, premises liability is about property owners making sure their place is safe for the people they invite. This includes places like concert halls, stadiums, and event spaces. If someone invited gets hurt because the place wasn’t safe, the owner could be responsible for covering the costs.
Understanding Premises Liability
Premises liability is the idea that property owners must make sure their place is reasonably safe for the people they invite. This includes both the physical state of the property and the things happening on it.
To make a premises liability claim, the person filing the claim (the plaintiff) needs to show these things:
- The person they’re blaming (the defendant) owned or controlled the place.
- The injured person (the plaintiff) was invited to be there.
- The defendant didn’t do their job of keeping the place safe.
- The injuries the plaintiff suffered were because the defendant didn’t do their job properly.
Real Examples of Concert Accidents
The tragic events at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, in 2017, and the Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas, in 2021, underline the serious consequences of not having proper safety measures in crowded places.
Ariana Grande Manchester Arena Bombing (2017)
On May 22, 2017, a person set off a bomb at the Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert. This terrible incident led to 22 deaths and more than 1000 injuries.
After the attack, investigations found security problems that allowed the attacker to get into the arena without being noticed. These problems included not checking bags thoroughly, not having enough visible security staff, and poor communication between security teams.
The families of the victims have taken legal action against the arena operator, the concert organizers, and the security company, claiming they were careless and didn’t fulfill their duty to keep people safe. The lawsuits are still ongoing, and it’s yet to be decided who is responsible.
Astroworld Festival Tragedy (2021)
On November 5, 2021, a surge in the crowd during a performance by rapper Travis Scott at the Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas, led to ten deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Investigations into the incident showed a mix of problems that contributed to the crowd surge, including poor planning for crowd control, not managing the crowd well, and failing to predict that the situation could become dangerous.
The families of the victims have filed lawsuits against the event organizers, claiming negligence and a breach of duty to care. The lawsuits are still ongoing, and it’s yet to be decided who is responsible.
Navigating Premises Liability in Crowded Spaces
Ensuring safety in crowded spaces requires a shared responsibility between property owners, event organizers, and concertgoers.
Responsibilities of Property Owners and Event Organizers
Property owners and event organizers have a legal and moral duty to take sensible steps to prevent injuries on their premises. This includes:
- Ensuring Adequate Security:
- Having enough security personnel.
- Using proper screening procedures.
- Having plans for emergencies.
- Effective Crowd Control:
- Planning and implementing effective crowd control.
- Considering things like venue layout, how many people are there, and how crowds might behave.
- Clear Signage and Warnings:
- Putting up clear signs and warnings about potential dangers.
- This could be for things like slippery floors, uneven surfaces, or areas where people shouldn’t go.
- Maintaining Safe Premises:
- Keeping the place well-lit and safe.
- Making sure walkways and structures are in good condition.
- Removing anything that might get in the way or cause problems.
Precautions for Concertgoers
Concertgoers also need to play a part in keeping themselves and others safe. Here’s what they can do:
- Picking Safe Spots:
- Choose areas in the venue that are safe, and avoid places with lots of people or limited ways to get out.
- Staying Aware:
- Pay attention to what’s around, like uneven floors or things sticking out.
- Be mindful of the crowd and how it’s moving.
- Following Security Instructions:
- Listen to what security and event staff say.
- Go where they direct you, especially to exits during emergencies.
- Avoiding Risky Actions:
- Don’t do things that could make the crowd rush or cause trouble, like pushing, shoving, or acting recklessly.
Understanding who is responsible for injuries in crowded places is a complicated matter with significant consequences. The sad events at concerts, such as Ariana Grande’s and the Astroworld Festival, strongly emphasize what can happen when safety measures fall short. Everyone involved – property owners, event organizers, and concertgoers – needs to contribute to making these spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone.
