On Friday, November 6, 2021, Houston was rocked by the tragic deaths and injuries at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival. There were 9 deaths and 23 hospitalizations reported at the festival. A total of 300 people were treated at a field hospital for related injuries. Families who lost loved ones and those who were injured took quick action. There were already 19 documented personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits levied against Live Nation and Travis Scott, as well as other organizers and festival participants, as of November 9.
A criminal investigation is currently underway into what took place that day.
After being unexpectedly injured at a music concert or due to a crowd surge, victims and their families are left with many questions. Who is liable for these casualties?
At these types of events, determining liability can be complicated. There are a number of key factors that can influence liability and damages. The Astroworld injury attorneys in Houston at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD are here to help victims who were unfairly harmed or killed due to the events that took place right here in our city.
Understanding the Dangers of Crowd Surge
When a massive crowd starts to push from behind, people in the front are forced up against the stage or barricade. These innocent bystanders often have nowhere to go. Unfortunately, crowd surges are not uncommon at large events with a large number of people. In the case of Astroworld, there were over 50,000 people in attendance. Crowd surges can occur at concerts, sporting events, and even while going holiday shopping.
Crowd surges have the ability to result in the following serious injuries:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Cardiac arrest
- Neck injuries
- Back and Spine Injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Suffocation
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Compression injuries
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue damage
- Death
Victims may suffer from paralysis or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Being in the front of a crowd surge is a stressful experience that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have a long-term effect on the victim’s quality of life. Victims of this type of event are likely to have a long-term dislike of crowds or concerts.
Injuries and Deaths at Music Festivals and Concert Venues
Concert injuries are essentially premises liability claims. The majority of lawsuits for premises liability are filed against the property owner or business. Concert venues, on the other hand, are unique in that attendees are there to watch specific performers, and the actions of that artist may have contributed to their injuries. The most common scenarios are when the artist:
- Kicks or throws something at the audience
- Encourages the audience to act violently towards another person in the crowd
- Encourages the audience to participate in dangerous activities
Travis Scott has faced similar allegations related to past controversies. In 2017, he was sued after it was alleged that he encouraged audience members at a show to jump off a balcony. One member of the crowd claimed that he did not want to jump but was pushed by another person in the audience. That victim was paralyzed in the accident.
Under Texas state law, past criminal convictions or guilty pleas are often not admissible into evidence in personal injury cases, but exceptions are sometimes allowed in extreme cases.
The fact that Scott was one of the festival’s organizers potentially exposes him to liability. As long as it can be demonstrated that the injuries were not caused by a direct act of the artist, the organizers are more likely to be held accountable than the property owner or the other music artists on stage.
Astroworld Injury Lawyers in Houston
While those who were killed and injured are in our thoughts, we seek to bring those accountable to justice. The team of Houston personal injury lawyers at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD, is prepared to assist victims and their families with the legal consequences of this tragedy. We may be able to help you in filing a claim for the compensation you deserve.
Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD and Nader Rabie, JD can answer any concerns you may have about your legal options if you’ve been injured or lost a loved one.
Contact an Astroworld injury lawyer immediately at (713) 840-7200 for a free, confidential consultation.
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