Can I claim compensation for injury at a festival or music concert?
Personal injury lawyer and DASLS Solicitor of the Year 2024, James McNally, answers the question, ‘Can I claim compensation for injury at a festival or music concert?’
Concerts and festivals are intended to be fun occasions filled with music, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. However, as recent events at the Boardmasters Festival have shown, these events can also expose innocent people to the risk of physical injury, emotional trauma, and even sexual assault. When problems arise at a festival or music concert, our expert lawyers are committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Incidents at the Boardmasters Festival
The Boardmasters Festival in Newquay, Cornwall, made the news for unfortunate reasons. During a performance at The Point stage, two significant crowd surges occurred, leading to chaotic scenes where festival-goers were left crying out in pain, with several sustaining serious injury, including broken bones and dislocated joints.
One attendee described how her daughter dislocated her knee and tore a ligament during the crush, while others suffered panic attacks. Reports of inadequate security, falling equipment, and other hazards further exacerbated the situation, with serious concerns being raised over the festival’s crowd control measures.
Additionally, there were alarming reports of drink spiking and sexual assault. A particularly distressing case in a previous year involved a young woman who was sexually assaulted in a tent at the festival. These incidents highlight the need for robust security measures and proper oversight at large-scale events to protect people from harm.
Claiming Compensation For Injury at a Festival or Music Concert
If you or a loved one have been injured or assaulted at a concert or festival due to the carelessness or negligence of the organisers, or a failure on their part to impose sufficient safety measures, then you may have grounds for making a compensation claim. We have successfully represented clients in similar cases, recovering the compensation they deserve for their physical and emotional injuries.
- Crowd Surges and Inadequate Security
Crowd surges, like those seen at Boardmasters, can lead to serious injuries due to the overwhelming force of people being pushed together. Event organisers have a duty of care to ensure that their events are safe and that adequate security measures are in place to prevent accidents occuring.
Case Example: We are currently representing a teenage girl who was assaulted by security at a Fall Out Boy concert at the O2 Arena. The security personnel’s aggressive behaviour caused her significant physical and emotional distress. In cases like this, where security measures are either insufficient or improperly enforced, victims may have a strong case for compensation.
- Injuries from Falling Equipment or Poorly Maintained Infrastructure
Temporary stages and equipment at festivals and music concerts can pose significant risks if not properly secured. Falling speakers or poorly maintained barriers can cause severe injuries, as witnessed at Boardmasters, where falling equipment contributed to the chaos. Event organisers are responsible for ensuring that all structures and equipment are secure and pose no risk to the public.
Case Example: We recently handled a claim involving a client who was bitten by a festival-goer’s dog while volunteering at an event. The client was helping with the clean-up after the festival when two dogs, tied to a metal fence, became agitated and dragged the fence towards her. One of the dogs bit her on the thigh, causing a serious injury. This case highlights the importance of proper safety measures at festivals, including the management of animals on site.
- Ride-Related Injuries
Festival rides can also pose health and safety risks to the public if not properly maintained or operated.
Case Example: A tragic example of this is a case we handled involving a young man who lost part of his finger at a music festival. The client, a teenager at the time, was injured when a ride operator accidentally dropped the safety bar on his finger, resulting in the partial loss of his finger.
- Sexual Assault and Inadequate Protection
Sexual assault is a major concern at concerts and festivals, where the combination of large crowds, alcohol, and sometimes inadequate security can combine to create a dangerous environment. Event organisers must take all necessary steps to protect those in attendance. If they fail to do so, victims of sexual assault are likely to have grounds for making a compensation claim.
- Psychological and Emotional Distress
The trauma of being involved in a dangerous situation at a festival or music concert can have lasting psychological effects. Victims may suffer from anxiety, PTSD, and other forms of emotional distress that significantly impact their quality of life. Compensation for these types of injuries can include the cost of specialist therapy, counseling, and other forms of psychological support.
Claiming Compensation for Personal Injury and Assault
Victims of festival-related injuries or assaults may be entitled to claim compensation for:
1. Their ‘Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Amenity’. The size of the award will depend on the severity of the injuries or trauma.
2. Their financial losses incurred as a result of the injury or assault, such as:
- Loss of Earnings: Compensation for time off work due to the injury or trauma.
- Medical Expenses: Covering costs related to medical treatment, rehabilitation, and care.
- Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for travel to medical or counselling appointments.
- Psychological Support: Costs associated with therapy or counselling due to the trauma experienced during the event.
How We Can Help
We have extensive experience in handling personal injury and sexual assault claims arising from incidents at music concerts, festivals, and other large events. We understand the legal complexities involved in these cases, from proving liability to calculating the appropriate level of compensation. Achieving justice and ensuring your wellbeing are our top priorities, and our specialist team is here to support you every step of the way.
