Protecting Yourself Against Injuries in Large Crowds | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Anytime large groups of people are assembled together, whether inside auditoriums or sports arenas or outdoors at festivals or public street events, there is the chance for conditions that make personal injuries more likely to occur. Space may be at a premium, unexpected accidents can occur, and fights can break out, causing pandemonium and chaos. Knowing what to do and how to handle yourself in a crowd can help to ensure your safety. Follow these tips to protect yourself and others who are with you. 

If you do become injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation for any losses your injuries have caused. Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to meet with one of our Virginia personal injury attorneys to find out what legal options you may have to pursue for damages.

Preparing Yourself for Crowded Events

Pushing, shoving, and being crushed between objects or under people are all concerns in large crowds, as are slips, trips and falls and injuries due to dangerous conditions such as fires, electrical problems, adverse weather conditions, and acts of violence by others. Places where these types of issues may occur include sporting events, concerts, street festivals, and social or political protests.

Consider the circumstances surrounding the event you are attending in advance, the venue at which it will be held, and the ways you can prevent being caught up in the types of situations that make accidents and injuries more likely to happen. Common types of injuries suffered at these events include:

  • Soft tissue injuries due to slips and falls
  • Broken bones and dislocated joints
  • Severe cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds
  • Serious burns and heat stroke or dehydration
  • Crushing injuries, causing damage to limbs and body organs
  • Back and neck injuries, such as slipped or herniated discs
  • Head injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injuries

What to Do at an Event

Facility owners and event coordinators or hosts do have an obligation to ensure the safety of guests and attendees and should take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring. For example, many organizations advise their event planners to take the following actions:

  • Identify the type of crowd the event is likely to attract, what their needs might be and the specific behaviors which could be an issue
  • Have easily identifiable volunteers and security to assist with crowd control and any problems that do arise
  • Make sure the facility is large enough and has the necessary accommodations
  • Make sure to have an evacuation plan in place

Protect yourself when you go to an event by making note of the exits and entrances and avoid places that are roped off or otherwise prohibited. If it is an outdoor event, make sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen. If you get an anxious feeling and notice the behavior of the crowd changing, play it safe, and move to a location where you can make a quick escape.

Contact a Virginia Injury Attorney

If you or a family member has been injured at an event where there were large crowds, contact a seasoned Virginia premises liability attorney to discuss what legal recourse you may have. Even if it is not entirely clear who is the at-fault party, a Va. injury attorney will be able to determine which party or parties are liable. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our injury attorneys have successfully represented numerous accident victims and have the legal expertise to handle these complex cases with positive results. Call (833) 997-1774 for a free case evaluation.

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