You can claim compensation for a range of injuries sustained at festivals, provided they were caused by negligence or a failure to ensure your safety by the festival organisers and staff. Common types of injuries that may form the basis of a claim include:

• Slips, trips, and falls caused by uneven surfaces, poorly maintained pathways, or unexpected hazards such as loose wires or wet ground.
• Crushing or stampede injuries due to overcrowding or poorly managed crowd control.
• Equipment-related injuries including harm caused by faulty rides, stages, or barriers.
• Assault-related injuries if insufficient security measures led to physical harm.
• Burns or scalds caused by unsafe food stalls, poorly managed campfires, or inadequate safety precautions around hot equipment.

The severity of your injury will partly determine the value of the compensation you are entitled to. Our experienced team will take the time to understand your circumstances, assess the impact the injury has had on your life, and advise you on the potential for compensation.

There are several parties that may be responsible for your injury at a festival. Here are some examples of the most likely, and who you can be held liable:

• Festival organisers are responsible for ensuring the safety of attendees by maintaining a safe environment, implementing crowd control measures, and complying with health and safety regulations.
• Vendors or contractors may be responsible if your injury occurred due to a faulty product, unsafe food, or poorly maintained equipment.
• Security personnel are responsible for keeping you safe. If they fail to do so, the company hired to manage security could be held responsible.
• Venue owners must make sure hazards are minimised, such as uneven ground, signage, and emergency access.

Another festival-goer’s reckless or negligent behaviour may have caused your injury. While organisers still have a duty to manage attendee behaviour, individuals can sometimes be held personally responsible.

Most personal injury claims must be brought forward within three years from the date of the incident. However, there are some important exceptions and nuances to consider:

• If the injured person was under 18 at the time, a claim can be started on their behalf at any point before their 18th birthday. After they turn 18, they have until their 21st birthday to start the claim themselves.
• If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to pursue a claim by themself, the usual three-year limit may not apply. This can provide more flexibility for their representative to take legal action.
• If your injury resulted from an assault or criminal act at the festival, you might be able to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). In these cases, the time limit is usually two years, but exceptions can be made in certain circumstances.

Regardless of these limits, start your claim as soon as possible to meet your deadlines and have the best chances of gathering evidence to support your case.

Gathering the right evidence is necessary to build a strong festival injury claim. The more detailed it is, the better your chances of successfully proving your case. Evidence may include:

• Medical records: seek medical attention as soon as possible after the incident. Your medical records will document the nature and severity of your injuries, which are essential for establishing your claim.
• Photographs: take pictures of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and any hazards (e.g., wet floors, broken equipment, or overcrowded areas) that contributed to the incident.
• Witness statements: if anyone saw the incident, collect their contact details and ask if they’d be willing to provide a statement to support your claim.
• Incident reports: notify festival staff or security about your injury and ask them to document the incident. Keep a copy of any written report they provide.
• Receipts and expenses: keep records of all expenses related to your injury, such as medical bills, transport costs, lost earnings, and any other financial losses incurred.
• Correspondence: retain any emails, messages, or other communications with the festival organisers, vendors, or security personnel regarding the incident.

Our solicitors will work closely with you to identify and gather all relevant evidence. When the time comes for presenting your case, we will make sure it is organised and ready to prove the other party’s liability. If necessary, we can also request additional evidence, such as CCTV footage or safety logs, to strengthen your case.

Your health is the top priority. Visit the festival’s on-site medical team or your GP/hospital as soon as possible, then notify the festival organisers or security team about your injury. Ask them to log the incident in their records and, if possible, obtain a copy of this report.

If you can do so without putting yourself at further risk, capture images of the accident scene, the hazard that caused your injury, and any visible injuries. Clear, timestamped photographs can serve as strong evidence. If others saw the incident, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements can corroborate your account of what happened.

You should also keep track of any expenses or losses related to the injury, such as medical costs, transport fees, or time off work. These can be included in your claim for compensation.

Finally, get in touch with an experienced personal injury solicitor. At Switalskis, we will make sure we take the necessary steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.