Personal Injury Risks at Concerts and Festivals

Philadelphia has many beloved annual music festivals that draw enthusiastic crowds from near and far. The Philadelphia Fringe Festival is a month-long celebration featuring avant-garde performances of theater, dance, film, and gallery installations curated by FringeArts. Longwood Gardens also hosts the popular Festival of Fountains each spring and summer, dazzling audiences with illuminated fountain shows set to music.

Ryan Zavodnick, one of the experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyers, shares that while festivals create joyous communal experiences, they also pose risks of personal injury that attendees should be aware of. With proper precautions and contacting a personal injury attorney if necessary, concert and festivalgoers can stay safe while having fun.

Crowd Crushes Can Lead to Severe Injuries.

Large, dense crowds at concerts and festivals can lead to dangerous crowd crush situations. These often occur when too many people push forward into a confined space. Poor crowd control and venue design are frequently contributing factors. Crushing injuries tend to impact the chest and torso when people are pressed together and unable to expand their lungs. Strategies like staggering attendee arrival times, metering entrance gates, and creating buffer zones around stages can help minimize crush hazards.

Tragically, 10 people died from compressive asphyxia when the crowd surged forward at the 2021 Astroworld Festival in Houston. Their families filed lawsuits alleging negligence by rapper Travis Scott and concert organizers.

Slips and Falls Are The Most Common Personal Injuries At Live Events

Trip and fall accidents consistently account for a significant portion of personal injuries at live events. A recent study found that falls makeup over 35% of all emergency room visits for preventable injuries. Slick surfaces, uneven terrain, littering, and obstacles like cables increase risks. Organizers must properly maintain grounds, allowing time for crews to clean up spills or other hazards. Venues can also set up first aid tents to treat minor injuries from slips and falls on site if they do occur. Attendees should wear appropriate footwear and watch their step in dimly lit areas.

From 2006 to 2011, falls on snow and ice alone caused 56% to 74% of weather-related injuries during the winter concert season.

Mosh Pits and Crowd Surfing Frequently Cause injuries

Aggressive or rowdy behavior in mosh pits and crowd surfing at rock concerts frequently causes preventable injuries. Though moshing and surfing seem fun to some, they often lead to bruises, sprains, or fractured bones. Severe head and neck injuries can also happen when surfers are dropped. Some artists discourage these activities to promote fan safety. Venues may also set rules refusing entry to those who mosh or surf. Attendees near the stage should be prepared to protect themselves by moving away if moshing breaks out nearby. For crowd surfers, try not to lift people wearing large boots or clothing that could injure others when dropped. Keeping fellow fans safe should be the number one priority.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer to Protect Your Rights

If you suffer an injury due to negligence at a concert or festival, contacting reputable personal injury lawyers regarding your legal rights is advisable. Personal injury lawyers can investigate all liability issues and responsible parties. They will also compile evidence, communicating with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement or file a lawsuit if needed. With an experienced attorney’s help, you can recover damages for economic losses like medical bills and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Focus on healing while your personal injury attorney advocates for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Concerts and festivals create unforgettable experiences for music lovers. However, when organizers cut corners on safety, attendees risk preventable injuries. Being aware of common hazards allows you to have fun while being proactive.

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Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com