Festivals are synonymous with enjoyment, music, and unforgettable experiences. However, they can also be environments where preventable accidents or assaults occur, impacting the well-being of attendees.

Understanding the risks and knowing how to respond if an accident happens can make a significant difference.

Understanding festival accidents

Festival accidents are not confined to music events—they can happen at any public gathering. Here are some common types of festival accidents and how they occur:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents: uneven ground, poorly maintained walkways, and unexpected obstacles can lead to falls, causing injuries ranging from minor bruises to serious fractures
• Crushing injuries: poor crowd control can result in crushing injuries, especially in tightly packed areas. Effective crowd management is crucial to prevent such incidents
• Food poisoning: inadequate hygiene practices by food vendors can lead to food poisoning, causing severe health issues. It's essential that all food handlers follow strict health standards
• Hearing loss: exposure to loud music without proper ear protection can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Organisers should provide ear protection or advise attendees on the risks
• Electrical injuries: faulty or improperly installed electrical equipment can pose serious risks, including shocks and fires. Regular safety checks are necessary to prevent these accidents
• Assault-related injuries: insufficient security measures can lead to violent incidents, including assaults. Effective security protocols are essential to ensure attendee safety

Recent news highlights

Chaos at Parklife Festival

In Manchester the Parklife Festival turned chaotic when a massive brawl erupted, leading to over 50 arrests. What started as a fun-filled event quickly descended into disorder, raising concerns about crowd control and the effectiveness of security measures. Large-scale festivals like Parklife attract thousands of people, making robust security protocols essential to prevent these incidents.

Serious injury at Waterside

At a music festival in Upton upon Severn, Worcestershire, a woman sustained life-threatening injuries after hitting her head on a steel pipe. This tragic incident has prompted a police investigation to determine the circumstances leading to her injury. It highlights the critical need for organisers to ensure that all structures and installations at festival sites are secure and free from hazards.

Barton Aerodrome brawl

At a music festival held at Barton Aerodrome, a brawl broke out, resulting in five injuries. These incidents, unfortunately, are not uncommon and emphasise the need for adequate security personnel to manage and de-escalate conflicts swiftly. Effective crowd management strategies can help in preventing fights and ensuring the safety of all attendees.

Steps to take after a festival accident

If you find yourself injured at a festival, taking immediate and appropriate actions can help support a potential claim:

• Witness details: obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident
• Photographic evidence: take photos of the accident scene, the hazard that caused the injury, and your injuries
• Report the accident: notify festival organisers or security personnel about the incident as soon as possible
• Retain your ticket: keep your festival ticket as it serves as proof of your attendance
• Seek medical assistance: visit a healthcare professional immediately to document your injuries and get necessary treatment

Event organisers have a legal duty of care to ensure the safety of attendees. If they breach this duty and you suffer an injury as a result, you may be entitled to make a claim. It's crucial to act promptly, as there is generally a three-year time limit to bring a claim.

Establishing a breach of duty of care

To determine if there was a breach of duty of care, consider the following:

• Stewarding: assess the number and effectiveness of stewards managing the event and controlling the crowd
• Inspection and maintenance: check if facilities like toilets were regularly cleaned and inspected, and if all structures were securely maintained
• Monitoring attendance: evaluate whether the number of attendees was monitored and if overcrowding was prevented
• Hygiene standards: ensure that catering staff were properly trained and followed strict food safety protocols
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): verify if staff and attendees were provided with necessary PPE, such as ear protection for loud environments

How Switalskis can help

Festival accidents can have serious repercussions, but understanding your rights and the steps to take can make a significant difference. We’re we're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve while providing the clarity and empathy you need during a challenging time. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com