Summer is almost here and that means plenty of outdoor events catered to a variety of interests, from live music and food to culture-themed gatherings. While everyone wants to have fun at these events, sometimes the fun is cut short by a personal injury.
It is important to know your rights and legal options after an injury at an outdoor event in Ontario. Our Windsor-based personal injury lawyers help injured victims throughout the province. Our experienced law firm has secured hundreds of millions for the injured and there are no upfront costs for our services.
Greg Monforton and Partners is here to help. Give us a call: (866) 320-4770.
Common Causes of Injuries at Outdoor Events
While there are many reasons why injuries occur at music festivals or other outdoor events, these are some of the most common.
Poor Maintenance
Event organizers need to take reasonable steps to make sure the venue is safe. For example, they need to take reasonable steps to prevent slip and fall injuries. If it rains and this creates mud, event organizers may need to block off certain areas of the venue or provide adequate warning to patrons about the slip and fall risk. They may also be responsible for cleaning wet or slippery surfaces.
Organizers may also need to ensure they have adequate fencing to prevent people falling from high off the ground. Staircases should not be in disrepair, which means railings should be stable.
There may also be a risk of parking lot car crashes if the flow of traffic is not being managed appropriately. Pedestrians could be at high risk of getting hit by a car if they are being directed to walk too close to vehicle traffic.
Assault
Alcohol is often one of the culprits when people get assaulted at an outdoor event. People want to have fun, and this often leads to excessive drinking. Some individuals may become aggressive when drinking and cause physical altercations with other people.
Sometimes there is nothing event organizers can do because someone became violent before police or security guards could intervene. People who become violent may face criminal charges, while victims may also be able to seek compensation.
Poor Crowd Control
Event organizers need to be prepared for crowds. They need to know how to direct foot traffic to keep people moving, but also to keep them safe. If event organizers were not prepared for the crowd people may be allowed to move too fast. If there is a choke point where too many people are trying to move through too small of a space, serious injuries could occur.
Defective Equipment
Defective equipment, such as lights, seats or platforms can put people at risk of serious injuries. For example, people could fall or get electrocuted from exposed wiring. Tents could fall on crowds of people if they were not properly secured because of malfunctioning or defective parts.
Inadequate Security
When there will be a lot of people in one place, you need to have adequate security. If there is not enough security at a venue, people are at greater risk of being assaulted. Sometimes serious injuries can be avoided if security can step in when there is an altercation.
There are times when people may need to be escorted out of a venue because they have become violent or unruly. However, if there are not enough police or security guards, violent individuals may be left to their own devices and may assault other people.
Liability for an Injury at an Outdoor Event
There are various parties that could be liable for an injury that occurs at an outdoor event, including:
- Event organizers
- Security companies or security guards
- Third-party vendors
- Product manufacturers
- Staff responsible for maintenance
- Owners of venues
- Event promoters
Under Ontario’s Occupier’s Liability Act, the parties listed above often owe a duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent people from suffering injuries while on the premises. If you were injured because of a condition or situation that was under the control of another party, that party may bear liability for your damages.
Can I Still Seek Compensation if I Was Intoxicated When I Got Hurt?
You may still be able to seek compensation for an injury that occurred while you were intoxicated. The question is whether the injury would have occurred even if you were sober at the time of the accident. If you are partially at fault for the accident you may still be able to seek compensation.
Some situations are so dangerous that there is no way a reasonable person, even a reasonable person under the influence of alcohol, could avoid an injury. For example, if you were directed to walk in an area that was slippery because of rain or mud and you slipped and fell, you may have a case. It may have been reasonable to direct people to walk somewhere else. Your intoxication may have had nothing to do with the accident.
What Should I Do After an Injury at an Outdoor Festival?
Make sure to report the accident to officials at the event, or the police if there are police present. You need documentation of the accident, including:
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Description of what happened
- Names and contact information of witnesses
If possible, take pictures of the scene and any visible injuries. Ask the police or event staff for a copy of their accident report.
Your next step is to seek medical treatment. You need to be evaluated by a qualified doctor and receive the appropriate treatment. You need documentation of your injuries to include them in a claim for compensation.
Your next step is to reach out to a qualified lawyer. Seeking compensation for an injury at an outdoor event can be complicated. You need an experienced lawyer with the legal knowledge and resources to manage every aspect of the case and pursue maximum compensation.
Contact Greg Monforton and Partners to Discuss Your Injury Claim
A personal injury can throw your life into a tailspin. During this difficult time, victims have a lot of questions, and they may be unsure of where to turn for answers.
Our firm has been helping the injured for decades. We have a proven track record and we do not charge any upfront fees.
We are ready to help you. Call us at:
(866) 320-4770.