Live music events and concerts are a part of our entertainment culture. In fact, since the ending of the pandemic, concert attendance has been on a sharp rise globally, with an estimated 500 million attendees in 2022 alone. Unfortunately, these events can often include injuries or even fatalities to concertgoers. While an injury can occur in a variety of ways, what happens when the on-stage actions of a musical artist or band result in injuries to attendees? For those who find themselves injured at a concert in Indiana, understanding their rights is important to pursuing a successful personal injury claim.
A musical artist or band can sometimes be held liable for a fan’s injury at a concert, but it depends on several factors, such as the artist’s actions and the level of control they had over the venue. Generally speaking, liability for these types of injuries will fall on event promoters, organizers, and venue operators as part of a premises liability claim. However, if an artist’s actions directly caused harm or incited dangerous behavior, they may share liability in a personal injury case.
One of the more notable incidents related to this area of law occurred at the 2021 Astroworld Festival in Houston, where a crowd crush led to the deaths of ten people and injured hundreds while Travis Scott was performing. Families of the victims and injured attendees filed multiple lawsuits against Scott, claiming he encouraged a culture of “raging” at his shows, contributing to a hazardous environment. Many of these wrongful death cases were settled as Scott was personally named in numerous lawsuits, along with Live Nation, and other companies and individuals associated with the event.
Proving liability can be complicated — injured fans must show that an artist’s actions were directly linked to an injury, that the artist knew or should have known their behavior was risky, and that the injury could have been prevented with different actions. For example, if an artist openly encourages fans to rush the stage or encourages aggressive behavior in a mosh pit, they may be held partly responsible for the injuries or deaths that ensue. In these cases, Indiana courts will look at whether an artist’s actions were considered reckless or if they created a foreseeable risk of harm.
When individuals suffer injuries at concerts, an attorney will pursue a lawsuit against the venue or other negligent parties involved. Typically, event organizers, even for smaller shows, will have obtained event liability insurance, which is just one of the ways a lawyer will seek compensation for their client(s). However, navigating the legal process for a concert injury can be complex, which will require an experienced attorney who can advocate for the victim’s rights and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one have been injured at a concert in Indianapolis or anywhere else in the Hoosier State, contact Hurst Limontes to discuss your case. Our law firm has extensive experience fighting for our clients in any number of personal injury claims. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.
Call 317-636-0808 or complete the form below for a FREE and confidential consultation.
