Navigating Workers’ Compensation Claims in Pennsylvania: Essential Documents You’ll Need

Every year, thousands of Pennsylvania drivers are injured in car crashes due to drivers’ negligence. These accidents often cause major damage to vehicles and the drivers themselves. While many injuries may be obvious–like a broken arm or open wound–crashes can also cause more complex damage. These hidden injuries go undetected when our bodies’ natural instincts kick in. After an automobile accident, you may experience a rush of energy that helps you act in the moment. Many people report experiencing increased energy and reduced pain after dangerous situations like car accidents. Epinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter, is responsible for this physical reaction. You might know epinephrine more commonly as adrenaline. Release of epinephrine, or “adrenaline rushes,” protect you in an accident by activating your flight or fight response and preparing your body to act quickly. But, while adrenaline serves an important role in protecting your body, it can also make you unaware of the symptoms you are actually experiencing by increasing your pain tolerance. This decreases the symptoms experienced from your injuries for a short period of time, but they often appear later when your adrenaline wears off and your body returns to its normal state. Days after the accident, you might experience a severe headache or find that you have a limited range of motion. If you haven’t strained your body since the crash, it’s likely the accident caused these delayed symptoms. Common Hidden Injuries Sometimes, hidden injuries may not manifest for hours or even days after your accident. These injuries range from minor to serious, which is why you should always consult a doctor after an accident even if you don’t feel hurt. If left untreated, these injuries could become severe and impact your quality of life. Common hidden injuries include: Concussions or dizziness Whiplash and muscle pain Neck pain Limited range of motion Back injuries Spinal cord injuries Can I still sue, even if my injuries manifested later? In short, yes. You shouldn’t suffer because of someone else’s negligence! But, it might be harder to hold the negligent driver responsible without a clear connection between the accident and your injuries. Don’t make the mistake of declaring yourself injury-free immediately after an accident. The other driver could use this statement to deflect responsibility if your symptoms don’t manifest until much later. Instead, seek a physician and keep a journal of how and when your injuries present themselves. Medical records will be useful if you decide to take legal action, and your own account can help identify when your symptoms began. As always, the best way to protect yourself in a car accident is to prepare. Learning more about how to protect yourself in an accident will help you avoid common mistakes that could cost you your case. A car accident has caused my mental health to decline. Do I have a case? Car accidents can also have a lasting impact on you and your emotional well being. Your mental health may decline in the days or weeks following an accident. You might also experience common mental health issues, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Nearly one third of individuals in motor vehicle accidents experience PTSD in the 30 days following a crash. If you are experiencing anxiety or depression, reach out to your doctor or a certified mental health professional to help manage your symptoms. Medical records of your treatment could also provide important evidence in your case later. If a car accident caused you mental distress, you should seek treatment right away. Injured in a car accident? Receive a personalized case consultation today–free of charge! Call (267) 225-3317 or request a consultation. Car accidents are traumatic events and you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to an attorney to make your personal injury claim and advocate for you. If you were injured by a reckless or negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. You can receive compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. In situations like these, you need a personal injury attorney you can trust. Attorney Crichton has successfully reached fair settlements for his clients’ personal injury claims. Attorney Crichton will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case while you focus on recovery. Don’t wait! Call  555-555-5556  today.

Even the best drivers find themselves in the unfortunate situation of a car accident. On average, drivers will each experience three to four accidents over their lifetime. Accidents aren’t always preventable, and if you find yourself in a crash it pays off to be prepared so you can protect yourself after a car accident. Accidents can be traumatic experiences, and a crash may leave you feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. Making the right decisions in the moments after a crash can be difficult to navigate, but with knowledge and preparation you can learn to get the best possible outcome after a crash. 5 Ways to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident: Prioritize your safety first. Immediately after a car accident, pull your car over to a safe, less congested side of the road. Stay calm and move your vehicle out of traffic to reduce the risk of causing another accident or a pile-up. After you’ve reached a safer area, you can assist the other passengers in your car and collect the contact information of the other driver. If you or the other driver is injured, call for emergency medical attention right away. Always call the police. Yes, even if no one was injured! Even if the accident appears minor, law enforcement should come to the scene to document and report on the accident. Official police reports may be important later if you want to recover damages for your injuries. If an officer arrives at the scene and files a crash report, make sure to get the number of the report, the name of the officer, and the contact information of the right office to get in touch with should you want to follow up. You can also request a copy of the crash report online. Do not admit fault! For many drivers, their immediate reaction may be to apologize to the other driver. Although this apology is made in good-faith, it could be damaging later if the driver interprets your words as you admitting responsibility. Admitting responsibility could result in the loss of your case, or even serve as the foundation for the other party building a case against you! Choose your words carefully and don’t take the blame without talking with an attorney first. Gather evidence and document everything. In any accident, you should take down the information of the other driver’s name, insurance, and license plate. Without this information, it is hard to make an insurance claim with the other driver’s company. You should also be prepared to take photos and videos of the scene. Too often, law enforcement is unable to arrive at an accident scene right away. It is up to you to preserve the evidence of your car accident. Do not rely on the other driver or your own memory–the human brain is faulty, especially after a traumatic event! Use your cell phone to take photos of the accident and both your and the driver’s vehicles. You can share these photos with law enforcement and your attorney if you decide to take legal action. Consult an attorney! Car accidents can result in long-term injuries, post-traumatic stress, and undue burdens. You shouldn’t have to navigate this process alone–you need an advocate. With the help of an attorney, you can focus on recovery and have peace of mind. If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you could be entitled to compensation. Attorney Crichton is an experienced personal injury lawyer who has a long track record of successfully advocating for his clients to reach lucrative settlements or exhaust their insurance policies. Attorney Crichton will work to ensure that you have the best outcome possible and are fairly compensated for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Attorney Crichton will collect evidence, review medical records and incident reports, and negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. You can be assured your case is in good hands! Receive a Free Consult Today! Call  555-555-5556  for a free, personalized case consultation today. All personal injury cases are handled on a contingency basis. That means we don’t get paid unless we win your case!

Elderly family members are vulnerable when they can longer care for themselves. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities–when successful– should provide support, stability, and medical care for your loved ones. However, elderly individuals often face neglect, or in some instances, abuse in their nursing homes. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and abuse is more common than one might think. COVID-19 caused more issues for nursing homes and revealed chronic issues in understaffing and facility accountability. Since the pandemic, staffing shortages have worsened. A report from Human Right Watch revealed that many residents in nursing homes show concerning symptoms such as dehydration, weight loss and mental and physical decline. The report also highlighted an uptick in nursing home deaths. While many were due to the virus, tens of thousands of nursing home deaths have been due to extreme neglect or other unexplained causes. Advocates are calling on government leaders to hold these institutions accountable. The concern is evident in Pennsylvania too. In 2020, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro took a strong stance on nursing home neglect, by opening several criminal investigations into multiple Pennsylvania Nursing Homes. In February 2021, a nursing home administrator was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, healthcare fraud, and obstruction of a federal audit. The administrator had directed staff members to falsify staffing records to meet state and federal guidelines. In reality, the nursing home was understaffed and failed to meet the standards of care expected of facilities accepting Medicare and Medicaid. Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence Elders experiencing nursing home abuse in their care facilities may exhibit both physical and emotional symptoms. Individuals may be depressed and lethargic or fearful of their nursing staff. Physical symptoms include poor hygiene, bed sores, and injuries from repeated accidents. If you notice suspicious injuries or a drastic change in a resident’s mental health, search for new facilities immediately. Suspected Elder Abuse and Taking Action The best way to prevent nursing home neglect is by being proactive. If you are placing a loved one in a nursing home, be sure to take a tour of the facility. Visiting the nursing home offers an opportunity to see staff and other residents in their day-to-day routine. A visit will help you and your loved one assess if they will be comfortable there. Unfortunately, being proactive doesn’t always prevent negligence. If you suspect that someone you know is subject to nursing home neglect, you should relocate them to a new facility as soon as possible. After relocating your loved one, request medical and treatment records from their previous facility. Official medical records will provide useful information if you choose to pursue legal action. Anyone with information on nursing home negligence or abuse is encouraged to submit a formal report to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You can file a complaint through an online form, via mail or email. Should I Speak to an Attorney If my Loved One was Abused or Neglected in Their Home? Yes. If you suspect your loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse in their facility, contact an attorney right away. An experienced attorney can help assess whether your family member was a victim of abuse and take immediate action. Nursing home negligence can lead to both civil and criminal charges. A civil lawsuit can help families and victims seek monetary recovery for the damages they experienced from an individual or institution. Compensation can cover emotional and physical suffering and more. Holding those responsible for nursing home neglect can prevent others from experiencing the same abuse. Speak with Attorney Crichton, A Philadelphia Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Today! Attorney Crichton is an experienced Philadelphia attorney with a strong understanding of nursing home neglect cases. Active in both civil and criminal court, Attorney Crichton has unparalleled knowledge of these legal disputes and will build a formidable case. In these cases, you need an aggressive attorney who will take perpetrators of nursing home abuse and neglect head-on. Call  555-555-5556  to Receive a Free, Personalized Case Consultation! All personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay us unless we win your case! 

In 2019, approximately 158,000 people were injured in large or commercial truck accidents, up from 134,000 in 2016. Due to their sheer size, trucks can be especially dangerous in crashes. Compounded with the rise of aggressive and distracted driving, commercial trucks can pose a big risk if not safely operated. Commercial trucks include more than the infamous 18-wheelers or semis you see on the highway. Delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, garbage trucks, and more are categorized as commercial trucks. Generally, If a large truck is owned by a company and operated by employees as a condition of their employment, the truck is considered commercial. What Causes Commercial Trucking Accidents? Commercial Trucking Accidents are often caused by overworked, exhausted truck drivers. Many truck drivers are paid per mile–not by the amount of time spent behind the wheel. As a result, commercial truck drivers are incentivized to deliver packages quickly and spend as little time as possible per route. Common causes of commercial truck accidents include drivers: Falling asleep at the wheel or driving while fatigued Texting or using a cell phone Driving while distracted Driving under the influence of illegal substances Trucking accidents can happen at any time and anywhere. According to the National Safety Council, truck accidents are almost equally distributed in urban and rural areas, though most crashes occur off interstate roads. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of trucking accidents happen during the day, though there are smaller numbers of accidents in the earlier months of the year. So, Who is Liable For a Commercial Trucking Accident? According to a legal principle, known as vicarious liability, Pennsylvania employers can be held liable for the injuries inflicted by their employees. That means trucking companies (and other companies) can be held liable for the accidents caused by their employees, even if they did not have a direct impact on the accident! Employers in Pennsylvania can be held responsible for both negligence and intentional harm caused by their employees if the action of the employee furthered the mission or goal of the organization. For example, if a truck driver delivers something for his company, and gets into an accident on their route, the company may be liable for the driver’s negligence. Though many states do not hold employers liable for wrongful acts committed intentionally, Pennsylvania is an exception. What if the Commercial Trucking Company is Not Located in Pennsylvania? Commercial trucking incidents are complex because trucks are regulated by both state and federal rules. If you’ve been injured in a commercial trucking accident, but the company’s headquarters reside elsewhere– do not worry. The company will be subject to all the laws in the state in which the accident occurred, even if their headquarters are based elsewhere. An experienced attorney can help you navigate complex jurisdictional questions. What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured in a Commercial Trucking Accident? In the event of a crash, make sure you find safety first. After pulling off to a safe shoulder on the road, be sure to get the driver’s contact information and license plate number. Even though the truck driver may not be directly responsible for covering the costs of damages associated with your injuries, you should still get their information. Write down the information of a supervisor or company representative too! Many trucking companies include phone numbers to complaint lines on the back of their vehicles. Additionally, in a trucking accident, you should always call the police. Even if you are not injured, calling the police is essential to insurance claims down the line. Police officers will file a report and record what happened at the scene. Usually, a commercial trucking accident requires an extensive investigation. The investigation begins the moment the accident occurs and the police are required to come out to trucking accidents and submit an accident scene reconstruction. Gathering evidence is important in preserving your claim. After a trucking accident, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills and fees, physical and emotional suffering, and more. Do I Need an Attorney if I’ve Been Involved in a Truck Accident? Yes! An experienced attorney can help you navigate the many difficulties of a trucking accident. Attorney Crichton has extensive experience advocating for clients and securing lucrative personal injury settlements. He will investigate your accident, contact relevant witnesses and experts, and prepare for settlement or litigation. Connect with Attorney Crichton for a FREE Case Consultation! Call  555-555-5556  today for a personalized case consultation. All of our personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis! That means we don’t get paid unless we get you money.

Last year traffic deaths reached a nationwide high for the first time in 16 years. Traffic deaths are projected to continue on an upwards trend throughout 2022. The increase is suspected to be a result of reckless driving. Reckless driving has been on the rise since the pandemic, as work from home flexibility lessened the number of drivers on the road. Pandemic drivers became accustomed to speeding on open roads, avoiding road congestion, and violating a number of other traffic laws. The results have been fatal. Last year, 45 pedestrians were killed in Philadelphia alone. And reckless drivers, often under the influence, continue to make local headlines. Many Philadelphia residents are pedestrians who rely on accessible sidewalks and crosswalks in high traffic areas. Nearly 30 percent of residents in the city do not own a vehicle. Pedestrians in the city also enjoy additional protections. In Pennsylvania, there is a heightened standard for pedestrians crossing the street by crosswalk. These additional protections are because the law appreciates that drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of pedestrians and the safety of pedestrian crosswalks. If you are a pedestrian who was struck by a car while in the crosswalk you may have a strong case. Common Injuries in Pedestrian Car Accidents Despite additional pedestrian protections, the rise in the number of reckless drivers and car accidents is alarming. Pedestrians need to be more vigilant than ever and exercise caution when walking or crossing busy streets. Pedestrian car accidents are most likely to happen at night due to decreased visibility, and walkers dressed in dark clothing are at a higher risk of being unseen by drivers. These types of car car accidents most typically occur at crosswalks, intersections, and stop signs. While most crashes are not fatal, pedestrians struck by cars often sustain serious injuries like spinal cord damage or even brain damage. Other, less severe injuries include concussions, broken bones, and lacerations or abrasions. These injuries can cause the injured parties to miss work, lose out on wages, and accumulate medical bills–not to mention the emotional and psychological stress that accompanies recovery. Are Drivers Liable for Pedestrian Car Accidents? It depends. While it’s easy to falsely assume that drivers are always at fault for pedestrian car accidents, this is not always the case. Inattentive pedestrians can contribute to accidents as well. Walking along streets without sidewalks, jaywalking, or failing to pay attention to traffic signals are dangerous practices likely to cause car accidents. When recovering damages after a pedestrian car accident, assessing liability is important. Pennsylvania follows modified comparative fault laws, which means that the injured person can recover damages only if they were less responsible than the other party for the accident. This means damages can only be pursued if the injured person was less than 50 percent at fault.. Section 7102 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly says that damages recovered by the plaintiff will be reduced in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff. When Should I Make A Personal Injury Claim? If you have been injured in a pedestrian car accident, you should seek counsel right away. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Working with an attorney as soon as possible will help ensure you have the best options when it comes to recovering damages. Attorney Crichton has reached substantial settlements for pedestrians injured in car accidents. Most recently, he reached a $100,000 policy limit settlement for a client that was injured by a vehicle that then fled the scene. You can receive compensation for lost wages, inability to work, physical or emotional suffering, medical bills, and more. Attorney Crichton will lead your case while you focus on recovery. Call  555-555-5556  Today for a Free Consultation! If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian car accident, speak with an attorney today and receive an individualized case consultation. All personal injury matters are taken on a contingency basis. This means that we don’t get paid until we win compensation for you! All the costs of investigation and litigation are contingent on recovery and if we don’t win you money, you owe us nothing.

Exciting experiences like ziplining, training classes, and sports and activities provided by businesses are often accompanied by legal documents known as liability waivers. As a participant, it’s important to know the impact a liability waiver can have on your rights to recover damages in the event of an accident. However, just because you have signed a liability waiver, doesn’t mean you can’t recover damages if a company or organization has been intentionally or grossly negligent. What is a Liability Waiver? Liability waivers, sometimes referred to as release forms, are legally binding documents that people engaging in an activity must sign to acknowledge the risks and dangers associated with the activity. These waivers also absolve a company from responsibility for harm or damage that may come to a participant. You have probably signed many liability waivers in your lifetime. Common places or activities that require liability waivers include gyms, outdoor sports, amusement parks, escape rooms, and more. Can I Refuse to Sign a Liability Waiver? Participating in activities that could be risky or dangerous will require participants to sign waivers– it is impossible to opt out of signing the waiver and still participate in the activity. So, if you’re unwilling to sign the waiver you should not expect to enjoy the activity. I Signed a Liability Waiver and Was Injured Later. Can I Sue? In short, it depends. Oftentimes, liability waivers prevent participants from suing to cover medical expenses or lost wages– signing the waiver will preclude claims for injuries. In 2006, a Pennsylvania cyclist attempted to recover damages after participating in an organized biking tour. The cyclist was injured when his front bike tire was caught in a pothole on a public roadway, causing him to be unable to steer and fall off his bike. In the original suit, the cyclist claims the biking tour organizers were negligent and failed to inspect the safety of the route and provide an alternative, safer route. However, the court did not agree. In 20009, the Commonwealth decided in Vinikoor v. Pedal Pennsylvania that Pedal Pennsylvania was not negligent and that when Vinikoor, the cyclist, signed a liability waiver he acknowledged the potential risks associated with the biking tour. Vinikoor v. Pedal Pennsylvania established that liability waivers are successful in protecting companies and organizations that provide risky activities from responsibility for accidents. When you sign a liability waiver, or a release form, you should be aware of the rights you are giving away and consider it carefully. I Signed A Liability Waiver. Do I Still Have a Claim? You might! Liability waivers are not always sufficient in personal injury cases for a variety of reasons, and you should consult with an attorney to see if you have a strong case. All liability waivers must be clearly worded and unambiguous. If the document is unclear, hidden, or ambiguous you may have a claim. Participants must be able to understand what risks they are taking on and the rights they are signing away in case of an accident. Pennsylvania law also required waivers to be prominent, meaning they cannot be hidden or bogged down in excessive text. For example, a liability waiver hidden in fine print at the end of a lengthy contract may be defeated in court. Moreover, liability waivers also cannot stop you from suing for damages in the event of gross negligence or recklessness. Gross negligence or recklessness refers to conduct that shows a complete disregard for a participant’s safety. A few examples of gross negligence include being provided with broken and damaged equipment or intentional harm caused by an ill-advising instructor. What Should I Do if I Was Injured after Signing a Waiver? If you’ve been injured even after signing a liability release waiver, you may still have a case that demonstrates gross negligence. Attorney Crichton has a strong record of advocating for clients who have been injured due to reckless or negligent conduct. While you focus on recovery, Attorney Crichton will handle all matters and build your case. If you’ve been injured, due to another’s recklessness you should not have to bear the burden alone. Call  555-555-5556  Today! Speak with an Attorney for a Free, Personalized Consultation! All of our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

This year Philadelphia became the first major city in the United States to ban law enforcement from pulling drivers over for minor traffic violations. The bill, called the Driving Equality Act, was passed in October of last year with the goal to “provide for the fair and transparent administration of the traffic violations” and “prevent racial disparities,”. The Philadelphia Police Department was provided with 120 days to prepare for its implementation after Mayor Kenney signed the bill. In March, the 120 day preparation period concluded and the Achieving Driving Equality law officially came into effect. The law effectively bans police officers from conducting minor traffic stops for offenses such as a broken tail light or recently expired registration. The legislation was largely advanced by councilmember Isaiah Thomas, who has argued that minor traffic stops disproportionately affect and traumatize Black motorists. The Defender Association of Philadelphia found that from 2018-2019 Black drivers made up 72 percent of all recorded traffic stops, compared to just 15 percent of white drivers. Minor traffic stops can also serve as a pretext for police officers to search vehicles for illegal drugs or weapons. Black drivers are at a higher risk of experiencing unfair searches and seizures than white drivers. The law will prevent interactions between police and drivers from escalating after minor violations. The law was developed in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Police Department. In 2021 the City Council passed the bill with a large majority. The new ordinance is not without controversy, however, with opponents of the legislation arguing that it hinders police officers from doing their job. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the local police union is suing the city over the new law. In an article from the Philly Tribune, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw says that, “the Driving Equality Bill introduced by Councilmember Thomas is an important step towards reducing the racial inequities identified in vehicle stops conducted in our city… the PPD is not abandoning or being prohibited from enforcing the eight secondary offenses identified; rather, the bill and executive order modify how enforcement will occur.” Driving Equality separates motor vehicle violations into two categories: primary and secondary violations. Eight traffic violations have been reclassified as secondary violations. Secondary violations of the Philadelphia Vehicle Code will no longer be sufficient to warrant a traffic stop. What Traffic Violations No Longer Warrant a Police Stop? Philadelphia drivers can no longer be pulled over for any of the eight violations: A vehicle registration expired for 60 days or less A single broken brake light or tail light Visible, but misplaced registration permits Visible, but unfastened or otherwise misplaced registration plates Minor bumper damage Operation of vehicle without official certificate of inspection Operation of vehicle without evidence of emission inspection Items hanging from and obstructing the view of the rear mirror window Until the pandemic, the Philadelphia Police Department carried out approximately 300,000 traffic stops annually. Now, the PPD pulls over just half that amount. Still, the new law has the potential to drastically reduce the number of traffic stops carried out in the city by hundreds of thousands. The Defender Association of Philadelphia found that 97 percent of the traffic stops executed by the Philadelphia Police Department were for minor violations. Can I still be penalized for minor vehicle code violations? Yes. Motorists should know that the Driving Equality Act does not change the vehicle code, merely the enforcement of it. Drivers can still be fined or ticketed for any minor traffic violations as a secondary offense. For example, if a police officer primarily stops a driver for suspecting that the driver is under the influence, and also sees a minor vehicle code violation while conducting the stop, the driver will be held accountable for both offenses. You should stay up to date on all motor vehicle violations to reduce your chances of receiving a fine or ticket. Connect with a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney Today! If you are facing criminal charges, you need to connect with an attorney right away. Attorney Crichton is extremely knowledgeable of the law in Philadelphia and surrounding jurisdictions. Our offices can tell you if you are facing legal challenges or if the police have violated your rights! Police are not allowed to search your car without reasonable suspicion. If you have been subject to an unlawful search and seizure after a minor traffic stop, you need an attorney who will advocate for you. Attorney Crichton has successfully litigated hundreds of Motion to Suppress cases in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. Call  555-555-5556  to discuss your defense. All case evaluations are free, personalized and 100 percent confidential. 

Injuries at public events can be dangerous when adequate safety measures haven’t been taken. Too often concert venues become hazardous when they are overcrowded or when proper security and emergency procedures aren’t in place. In 2021, an Astroworld concert in Houston, Texas made headlines when it turned deadly for ten concertgoers. The victims were injured in a crowd surge during the Travis Scott concert, which was attended by more than 50,000 people. Hundreds of additional concertgoers sustained injuries during the music festival, some having to be immediately transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The victims of the music festival have named the venue, Scott, and other concert organizers in over 300 civil suits. Injuries sustained at a concert or music festival can range from mild to severe, and injured attendees may suffer from lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Injured concert-goers may be entitled to compensation for music festival injuries. Common Concert Injuries Injuries are often sustained when concert crowds become too rowdy and push, or ‘surge’ forward against venue barricades. The force of the crowd surge can lead to attendants falling and being trampled, while the noisiness makes it difficult for victims to call for help. This was the case for the many Astroworld attendants who passed away. However, injuries can also occur because the venue itself may be dangerous. Venues should avoid poor lighting and quickly fix any issues such as unsteady railings or crumbling stairs. Earlier this year a fan who attended a Harry Styles concert in 2019 brought a lawsuit against concert organizers after sustaining permanent injuries. The plaintiff alleged that at the concert another fan fell on her during a crowd surge. The claim accuses several concert organizers, including the venue, the operators, and even the ticket-site, Stubhub, for general negligence alleging that organizers failed to provide sufficient seating, lighting, and crowd control measures. Poor lighting, crumbling stairs, and crowd surges are just a few of the hazards that can cause concert injuries. Hazardous conditions could lead to broken limbs, sprained or fractured wrists, or even head trauma. I was Injured Attending a Concert. Who is Liable for My Injuries? If you’ve been injured during a concert or music festival, you may want to know who is liable for your injuries. Premise liability is a legal concept that holds property owners accountable for injuries that happen on their property. Thus, concert venue owners are generally held liable for injuries that occur during a concert, specifically when the property owners neglect to take adequate safety measures. Because property owners have a duty to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their property, failure to do so by being negligent or careless can result in personal injury claims. Outside of premise liability, several other parties can be held accountable for the injuries that concertgoers incur. Concert organizers, security contractors, and even performers can be found liable if they engaged in reckless or negligent activity. The Astroworld tragedy gives us insight into why performers may be held responsible for injuries sustained at a venue. Concertgoers and legal professionals have pointed out Travis Scott’s personal effort to rile up the crowd despite attendees shouting for him to stop the concert. His actions have been cited as ‘grossly negligent’. Over 300 civil suits have been filed in Texas as a result of the Astroworld concert, many naming Scott as a defendant. Scott continues to deny personal liability. Have you Been Injured in a Concert Accident? If you or someone you know has been injured attending a concert, contact Attorney Crichton today for a free consultation. You are not legally obligated to engage an attorney in personal injury cases, but when the stakes are high legal representation can be the difference between a fair and unfair settlement. If the concert venue or its organizers were negligent in taking adequate safety measures or remedying defunct property, you may be able to recover damages. You can receive compensation to cover lost wages, emotional or physical pain and suffering, expensive hospital and doctor bills, and more. Attorney Crichton has a strong history of advocating for his clients and reaching lucrative settlements for a wide variety of personal injury claims. Call  555-555-5556  Today! Receive A Free, Personalized Case Consultation! All of our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay anything unless and until you receive a monetary award for your case.