There’s nothing quite like attending a concert or music festival and enjoying live music with thousands of fellow fans. That said, excitement can be overshadowed when something terrible happens. Whether you’re at Artpark, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, KeyBank Arena, or any of our other local music venues, knowing what steps to take if you get injured in an accident is essential.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Be aware of your surroundings and venue-specific guidelines.
- If the venue serves alcohol or you're consuming alcohol, stay vigilant in case you or others are over-served. Ensure you have a designated driver if you're drinking.
- If you're injured at a concert or music festival, seek medical attention, document the incident, and contact a lawyer. There may be legal recourse available.
- Having fun and enjoying yourself is the most important part of any concert or music festival. When things don't go as planned, knowing what to do can help you and others stay safe.
Understanding Concert Safety
Recent events have emphasized the importance of staying safe at these kinds of events. Did you hear about the 24-year-old Bird Piché, who was injured in a crowd-surfing accident at Mohawk Place? A member of Trophy Eyes, the band playing, dove into the crowd and struck Bird, leaving her with a spinal cord injury.
Thankfully, she underwent extensive surgery and has regained some feeling in her hands and fingers, but she has a long recovery ahead. Situations like these remind us of the unpredictable nature of large gatherings.
Common Types of Injuries
The best way to stay vigilant and prepared is to understand the most common types of injuries at concerts and while traveling to and from venues.
Outdoor venues like Artpark, with their uneven walking surfaces and varied terrain, present tripping hazards, especially when concertgoers are drinking. Poor lighting, obstacles, and uneven ground can all contribute to slip-and-fall accidents.
Traveling to and from concerts also involves risks. Drunk driving, texting, and congestion around venues like Darien Lake and KeyBank Arena may lead to serious car accidents. The influx of traffic and the excitement of leaving an event increase the chances of collisions.
Negligent security is sometimes a factor. For example, if a venue over-serves alcohol to concertgoers and fails to address unruly behavior, there might be incidents where others injure patrons. Venues have a responsibility to ensure safety and manage alcohol consumption effectively.
Concert Safety Tips
So, how can you stay safe? The first step is always to be aware of your surroundings. The safety protocols and considerations might be different depending on the type of venue you’re visiting. At popular venues like Artpark, known for its scenic outdoor setting, and Darien Lake, which often hosts massive crowds, staying alert can help you avoid accidents. Be mindful of sudden movements and crowded areas where situations could escalate.
Each venue has its own safety measures, so follow venue guidelines. Artpark provides detailed information on its website about crowd management and emergency procedures. Darien Lake’s sprawling layout means it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the venue map. KeyBank Arena, being indoors, has specific evacuation routes and safety protocols, so pay attention to announcements.
In addition to potential hazards inside music venues, it’s also important to be safe coming and going from them. Concerts often involve drinking, so plan for a safe ride if you’re heading to or from an event. Use public transportation, a ride-share service, or arrange for a designated driver.
What To Do If You're Injured
As always, the first thing you should do if you’re injured is to seek medical attention. Your health should always be your top priority, and a medical professional should evaluate even minor injuries to prevent further or future complications.
Document the incident, too. Take photos of the scene if you can, gather contact information from witnesses, and keep records of any medical treatments. This information is valuable if you need to take further steps.
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer may be helpful if you face medical bills or other challenges due to an injury. They can guide you in navigating the legal aspects and help you understand your options.
Legal Recourse for Concert Injuries
Having experienced legal support can make a big difference when accidents occur at public venues like these. Suppose you’re dealing with an injury related to a concert or festival, like a slip and fall or a car accident on your way to or from the event. In that case, contacting a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
Document the incident, too. Take photos of the scene if you can, gather contact information from witnesses, and keep records of any medical treatments. This information is valuable if you need to take further steps.
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer may be helpful if you face medical bills or other challenges due to an injury. They can guide you in navigating the legal aspects and help you understand your options.
Conclusion
Concerts and music festivals are meant to be enjoyable, but when things don’t go as planned, knowing what to do can help you manage the situation effectively. Prioritize your safety, be aware of venue-specific guidelines, and seek legal advice to protect yourself and your well-being.
If you or someone you know has been injured at a concert or music festival, don’t hesitate to contact us for help.
