Summer is upon us, and many people and families in North Georgia or Tennessee will head out during the day or evening to enjoy everything from the beach or outdoor concert to a sports event or nightclub. The owners of these venues all have a responsibility to provide a safe environment.
But when innocent attendees of parties, concerts, or hotel guests fall victim to criminal activities, poor planning or a lapse in security, a critical question arises: What recourse is available? In many instances, victims in North Georgia or Tennessee may pursue negligent security lawsuits. Let’s discuss when and why.
Risks of Violence
Shootings are becoming more common in the U.S., even at venues previously considered off-limits such as churches and even outdoor food festivals.
Some gunmen are adept at misdirection and can bypass security checkpoints by cutting holes through fences. That was how a 19-year-old gunman entered the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California in 2019, before he killed three people and wounded 17 others. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a shootout with police. Festival organizers face multiple lawsuits for liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and negligent security.
Overcrowding Leads to Injuries
Furthermore, some gatherings – even outdoor events – are not properly organized, which and can lead to overcrowding and injuries. For example, in 2021 the Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas was the site of an awful tragedy where 10 people died during a compaction of the crowd.
Various catastrophic injury and negligent security lawsuits were subsequently filed by the victims' families and others who were injured against the show’s organizers and headliner, rapper Travis Scott.
Who Could Be Liable In A GA/TN Negligent Security Claim?
A North Georgia or TN injury victim could file a lawsuit against one or many parties if harmed due to negligent security, including:
- Event organizers, who have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees. This includes implementing adequate security measures, maintaining the premises, and addressing any potential hazards.
- The security team, and more specifically, their employer. This could be the venue’s staff and/or third-party service provider. These teams are supposed to be well-trained to detect and mitigate risks of violence, injury or catastrophe.
- Other attendees, who may cause injuries through rowdiness, lewdness or starting fights.
Venue rules are there for a reason – they're meant to keep everyone safe and ensure everyone has a good time without any issues. But if negligence, malice or a failure to fulfill these responsibilities leads to your injury, the aforementioned parties or others may be held accountable.
Tips For A Safe Outing
It is essential for visitors of any event to stay informed and vigilant without letting fear overshadow their experience. Here are some tips to help maintain safety:
Research the Venue in Advance
- Look up the venue online to check for any history of security incidents.
- Familiarize yourself with the venue layout, including the location of exits, emergency services, and first aid stations.
- Identify safe spots where security personnel are usually stationed.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
- Be mindful of unusual behavior or suspicious activity around you.
- Report anything suspicious to venue security immediately.
- Avoid others who seem to be drinking too much alcohol.
Plan Your Transport
- Travel in groups, and arrange for safe and reliable transportation to and from the venue.
- Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas when arriving or leaving the event.
Follow Venue Guidelines
- Pay attention to and follow any safety instructions provided by the venue.
- Comply with security checks and screenings at entry points.
- Take note of the emergency contact numbers provided by the venue.
Check The Weather
- The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, was held last week – just an hour from Pritchard Injury Firm’s Chattanooga location. The festival has canceled and delayed performances due to inclement weather over the years. This recently occurred at the 2024 Festival on June 16, with weather alerts displayed everywhere to avoid attendees, performers and staff from harm. The event resumed later that day, and thankfully without incident.
- Familiarize yourself with the venue’s emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and shelter-in-place instructions.
Ultimately, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself and your group from the situation. It’s better to be cautious and safe than to ignore potential dangers. But if you or a loved one are injured at any event in North Georgia or Tennessee due to the actions of others, you may be able file a negligent security claim to secure compensation.
Your GA/TN Negligent Security Lawyer
You should call a lawyer if you have been attacked, shot, assaulted, groped, robbed, or otherwise injured or traumatized by violent criminal activity on someone else’s property, especially if you noticed a lack of security precautions at the venue.
Pritchard Injury Firm’s North Georgia/TN negligent security lawyers can evaluate the business’ security measures, look for a history of similar crimes, and take other steps to build and strengthen your case.
While we handle your case with skill, we dedicate ourselves to you as our client – you are more than just a case number, and we treat you as such.
Contact Pritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.