Organizers and operators of special events such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, competitions, trade shows, etc. can be held liable for injuries and wrongful deaths that occur during these events. Under the doctrine of premises liability, organizers and property owners are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees. This includes events such as the tragic Route 91 Harvest Concert in Las Vegas. When negligent security, improper maintenance, inadequate staffing, etc. causes an injury or death, these individuals and entities can be held accountable for the medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages their actions create.
Duty of Care
Organizers of special events and operators of special event venues have a duty to attendees that includes maintaining a reasonably safe venue. This includes providing adequate security, minimizing hazards to navigation through the venue, removing dangers such as standing water or exposed power cables, and more.
This duty of care also includes providing adequate lighting for the event, ensuring the venue is not overcrowded, properly training and equipping staff, and managing the sale/use of alcohol. Organizers and operators are also required to prepare contingency plans to address potential threats that may arise from weather, terror situations, etc.
Assumption of Risk & Gross Negligence
Every attendee accepts a measure of risk when attending a special event. For example, it’s possible that a car will be dented and dinged while in a parking lot, a ball may enter the stands and strike an attendee, or a rainstorm may cancel the event.
For event organizers or operators to be held liable for injuries or wrongful death, it must be shown that their gross negligence is responsible for causing the injury or death. Examples include deliberately removing nets and barriers that prevent baseballs from flying into the stands, reducing the number of security personnel, or blocking emergency exits.
Other Liable Parties
In addition to organizers and operators, liable parties can include other guests, product manufacturers, builders and others. For instance, a guest who causes a disturbance can be held liable for the injuries their actions cause. Similarly, builders could be held liable for faulty construction that created a hazard to event attendees. A personal injury lawyer in Nevada can help injured parties or their surviving loved ones determine the actions and events that led to the injury or fatality. This information can help determine the parties that are liable under the doctrine of premises liability.
