Whether you’re catching a foul ball at Yankee Stadium or raging at a Bruce Springsteen concert, when you go out to an event, you trust that you’re in a controlled and safe environment. However, that is not always the case.
When security at these events is lax, the potential for injuries increases. Venues have a legal obligation to provide adequate security, so if you get seriously injured at a concert or ballgame—depending on what caused your injury—you might have a claim for damages.
Nightclubs, concerts, sporting events, political rallies, and entertainment venues have a duty, in the eyes of the law, to prevent foreseeable accidents from happening. Premises liability is the area of the law that deals with property owners and their responsibility towards their guests.
Negligent security can manifest in different ways: a large crowd that’s running wild, a complete lack of police presence or oversight, missing or broken gates, or a surveillance system that’s unmonitored. Many times, an accident could have been prevented with better security measures, such as crowd control, I.D. checks, and secured entrances. Some accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death.
Adequate security will depend on the venue, but some security measures may include:
- Security guards
- Security alarms
- Camera monitors
- Gates
- Proper lighting
- Visitor screening
- Proper monitoring of alcohol
Lack of these security measures can result in dangerous scenarios, such as a criminal assault, a stampede, a slip-and-fall, and more.
However, not every injury sustained at a public venue is the property owner’s fault. There are certain occurrences—like a foul ball during a baseball game—for which the guests have accepted the risk upon purchasing their ticket (you can typically read the waivers on the back of your ticket stub).
After sustaining an injury at an event, it’s important to figure out who can be held liable. If your injury is the result of a preventable security lapse, the venue owners may be responsible for damages. In certain instances, you can also hold the security company, a team or artist, or the venue’s architect accountable.
Negligent security at a public venue is a serious problem. If you sustained an injury due to inadequate security, please contact one of the NYC premises liability lawyers at The Case Handler. Call us at 800-223-2814 for a free case evaluation.
