Attending a public event in Hartford, whether a concert, festival, sports game, parade, or community gathering in a park, should be an enjoyable experience for individuals and their families. Unfortunately, crowded public venues can quickly turn hazardous due to poor crowd management, inadequate security measures, and negligent event planning.
After being harmed at a festival or other special event in Hartford, it is important to take fast action to protect your health and legal rights. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
This article will consider some steps you should take following an accident at a public event.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should always be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Annual statistics from the Connecticut Hospital Association reported over 1 million visits to the emergency department, many of these visits being due to unintentional injuries. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, might not be immediately apparent but can worsen if left untreated.
Additionally, visiting a doctor provides documentation of your injuries – which is important evidence in personal injury claims.
Report the Incident
After ensuring your immediate health, act fast to report the accident to the event organizers, venue directors, security personnel, or facility management. Additionally, if your injuries were severe, you may need to contact law enforcement for police officers to be dispatched to the scene to complete a police report.
Make sure the report includes:
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Type of injuries sustained
- Contributing factors (wet floors, faulty equipment, etc.)
Without a report filed, the vendor or business management company may later dispute that you were injured on their premises.
Be sure to request a copy of the report. It can be used later as evidence to support your insurance or personal injury claim. If the business or vendor is unable to provide you with a paper copy or say they will email it to you later, try to snap a picture of the report with your phone.
Gather Evidence
If your health allows, document the incident as thoroughly as possible. It’s best to gather evidence fast – before it is lost or destroyed.
This includes:
- Taking photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your injuries, your injuries, and the surrounding area
- Speaking to eyewitnesses and obtaining their contact information
- Checking for surveillance cameras that could have recorded your accident taking place
- Noting any conversations you had with event staff or security personnel regarding the incident
- Preserving any physical evidence such as torn clothing, broken shoes, or objects that caused the injury
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be if you decide to file a claim with the event insurance company.
Consult a Hartford Personal Injury Attorney
After being injured at a festival or other special event due to someone else’s negligence, it is in your best interests to consult a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can act fast to review your case and determine whether you have a solid claim for compensation.
A lawyer will calculate the cost of your damages, including compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Your lawyer can identify the person or party liable for your injuries, negotiate with the insurance company, and take your case to court if needed.
Avoid Making Statements
If the special event organizers or property owners are insured, their insurance adjusters may make an effort to contact you. Be cautious when speaking to them.
Anything you say to the insurance representative could be used against you later, so it is recommended to avoid discussing fault or the extent of your injuries until you have consulted a personal injury lawyer.
Understand Your Rights in Hartford, CT
In Hartford, Connecticut, premises liability law may hold special event organizers, property owners, and other parties responsible for injuries that occur at a public event due to negligence.
Whether it was a slip-and-fall, a tripping hazard, or an injury caused by overcrowding or poor security, understanding your legal rights can make the difference in achieving fair compensation.
Contact a Fast-Working Hartford, Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Organizers of festivals and other special events in Hartford have an obligation to protect attendees. If you or a loved one has been harmed at a public event due to negligence, you do not have to go through this difficult time alone.
Our legal team at Gould Injury Law understands the complexities of special event claims and will act fast to protect your rights. Let our experienced and efficient lawyers guide you through every step of the compensation process. We will fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
Our law firm offers our legal services on contingency. You do not pay upfront costs or fees and we don’t get paid if you don’t. Contact us today by calling 888-WIN-FAST or completing the contact form.
