Overview
California’s iconic music festivals and public events draw millions each year — but when safety takes a backseat, serious injuries can happen. If you were hurt at Coachella, Outside Lands, or even a local street fair, you may be entitled to compensation.
This guide explains your legal rights, who may be liable, and how to protect your claim.
⚠️ Common Injuries at Large Events
Large gatherings often involve:
- Trampling or crowd surges
- Slip and falls from spilled drinks, uneven pavement, or poor lighting
- Heatstroke or dehydration due to inadequate shade or water access
- Falling objects like lighting rigs or stage equipment
- Assaults or fights in poorly monitored areas
Even if you signed a waiver, you may still have a valid claim under California’s premises liability laws.
🏛️ Who’s Liable for Your Injury?
Liability depends on who failed to uphold their duty of care:
- Venue owners must maintain safe premises.
- Event organizers are responsible for crowd control and emergency planning.
- Security companies may be liable for failing to prevent violence or chaos.
- Vendors can be held accountable for hazards like hot food spills or unsafe setups.
If your injury occurred on public property (e.g., a city park), a government entity may be liable — but special rules apply.
📸 What to Do Immediately After an Injury
To protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical attention — even for minor injuries.
- Document the scene — take photos/videos of hazards and surroundings.
- Get witness contact info — their statements can support your claim.
- Report the incident — to event staff, security, or police.
- Avoid posting on social media — anything you share could be used against you.
📝 Filing a Personal Injury Claim in California
You typically have 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. But if a government entity is involved (e.g., a city-sponsored event), you may have only 6 months to file a claim under the California Tort Claims Act.
🧾 Real-World Example: Stage Collapse at a Local Fair
In 2023, a client attended a county fair in Southern California where a temporary stage collapsed during a performance. She suffered a fractured wrist and concussion. Our investigation revealed:
- The stage was improperly secured by a third-party contractor.
- The event organizer failed to inspect the setup.
- No emergency medical staff were on-site.
We filed claims against both the contractor and the event organizer, ultimately securing a six-figure settlement. This case highlights how multiple parties can share liability — and why legal representation is essential.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if I signed a waiver?
Yes. Waivers don’t protect against gross negligence or reckless conduct. If the injury was preventable, you may still have a case.
What if the event was free or open to the public?
You can still file a claim. Liability depends on who controlled the space and whether they failed to maintain safety.
What if I didn’t report the injury right away?
You can still pursue a claim, but documentation and witness statements become even more important. A delay doesn’t automatically disqualify you.
Can I sue the city if the injury happened at a public park?
Yes — but you must file a government claim within 6 months. These cases require special procedures and fast action.
👨⚖️ Why You Need a Lawyer
Event injury cases are complex. You may face:
- Multiple liable parties
- Complicated insurance coverage
- Waivers and assumption-of-risk defenses
An experienced California personal injury attorney can help you:
- Prove negligence
- Navigate insurance negotiations
- Maximize your compensation
📍 Local Insight: Where These Injuries Happen
From Los Angeles to San Francisco, California hosts hundreds of events each year. We’ve helped clients injured at:
- Music festivals (Coachella, HARD Summer)
- Food and wine events
- Street fairs and parades
- County fairs and rodeos
- Sporting events and marathons
📞 Call Infinity Law Group Today
If you’ve been injured at a festival or large event, don’t wait. Our team is ready to help you recover — physically, emotionally, and financially.
📲 Schedule your free consultation Or call us at (925) 732-1188
