For most people, the summer season is a time to enjoy warm weather, vibrant sunshine, barbecues, pool parties, and spending quality time with loved ones. However, there are instances where summer festivities can take an unfortunate turn and result in people suffering serious bodily injuries due to a preventable accident. Whether it is a slip and fall on a wet pool deck, an electric shock from an exposed wire at a neighbor’s house, a fireworks injury caused by improper handling at a private venue, or an auto accident caused by a drunk driver, these events can have life-altering ramifications.
Extreme heat can also play a factor when talking about injuries seen at summer events and festivities. According to a CDC Publication report from 2023, the average rate of heat-related emergency department (ED) visits during the warm season (May–September) was 180 per 100,000 ED visits, compared to 151 per 100,000 averaged across 2018–2022. This represents an approximate 20% increase in heat-related visits during summer months…and heat-related injuries are not the only types of injuries you may find this summer at local events and festivals.
Types of Accidents That Can Occur at Summer Events and Festivals
While summer events and festivities are intended to be fun and memorable, they can quickly turn into hazardous events due to negligence, lack of supervision, and/or poor maintenance. Common types of accidents that can occur during summer events and festivals include:
- Drunk driving accidents after someone departs from a festival or event.
- Firework injuries (such as severe burns, vision damage, hearing loss, and so forth)
- Slip and fall accidents (such as slip and falls on wet pools decks or patios, uneven walkways, and so forth)
- Swimming pool accidents (such as accidental drownings, diving injuries, and so forth)
Who Could Be Held Legally Responsible If You Are Injured During a Summer Event or Festival
If you are seriously injured during a summer event or festival, an important legal issue that will need to be addressed is liability, which is a legal term to describe legal accountability. In many instances, liability for a summer event accident will depend on the location of the event and who was responsible for keeping the area safe for attendees.
- Rental Venues or Event Spaces: If an event or festival takes place at a rented location, liability might fall on the property owner or manager, the event organizer, and/or a third-party vendor (e.g., fireworks company, catering company, etc.).
- Private Homes: Homeowners can be held liable for injuries under premises liability law. If liability can be established, a claim could be filed under their applicable homeowners insurance policy.
- Public Spaces/Government Property: If you are injured during a summer event that occurred on government property, then filing a personal injury claim becomes more complex since there are often shorter filing deadlines and stricter procedures under government tort claims laws.
Damages That May Be Pursued Through a Personal Injury Claim if You Are Injured During a Summer Event or Festival
Generally speaking, the types of potentially recoverable damages that can be pursued via a personal injury claim include the following: economic damages, non-economic damages, and possibly punitive damages (depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case).
Economic damages are intended to reimburse you for tangible harms and losses. Examples of economic damages include reimbursement for property damage, immediate and future medical expenses, lost income, and diminished earning capacity.
Non-economic damages are intended to reimburse you for intangible harms and losses. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, and disfigurement.
Punitive damages are not commonly awarded in personal injury cases. They are subject to a heightened legal standard and generally only come into play when a defendant’s conduct is particularly egregious, such as reckless or wanton behavior. Nevertheless, there are situations where pursuing punitive damages may be viable. It is best to discuss your potential case with a knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury lawyer to assess the types of damages that can be pursued.
Steps to Take If You Are Injured During a Summer Event or Festival
If you or a loved one was seriously injured during a summer event or festival, consider taking the following actions:
- Seek Immediate Medical Treatment: The first and most crucial step after becoming injured during a summer event is to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s important to have a medical professional assess your condition as soon as possible. Not only is this essential for your health and well-being, but it also creates documentation of your injuries that may be vital in any future legal proceedings.
- Follow the Advice of Your Doctor: After you’ve received immediate medical care for your injuries, continue to follow the advice and treatment plan provided by your doctor. Do not skip doctor visits or ignore the advice of a medical specialist. Failing to follow their advice and treatment plan could potentially impact the viability of your potential legal claim.
- Compile Evidence: As soon as you are able, begin compiling evidence related to the accident. For example, take photos of the accident scene, collect contact information from any witnesses, and try to assess who was responsible for the safety of attendees at the event. Generally speaking, the more evidence you have to support your personal injury claim, the stronger your claim will be. In addition, make sure to properly document your bodily injuries and your rehabilitation process. This includes retaining your medical records, invoices, and detailing what you have to go through to try and recover from the accident.
- Speak to a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer: Once you have sought proper medical attention and compiled relevant evidence concerning the accident, it is important to speak to an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. A competent and qualified attorney will review the details of your case, advise you on your legal rights, and help you navigate the complex process of filing a personal injury claim.
Have Questions About Your Legal Options? Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today
In the wake of being seriously injured during a summer event or festival, you may be feeling overwhelmed by pain, frustration, and anxiety related to mounting bills and expenses. This is where Bross Frankel PA can help. Our law firm is committed to helping people throughout New Jersey who suffered serious injuries in all types of accidents, including accidents that occurred at summer events and festivals.
With decades of combined experience helping injured people throughout New Jersey, our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys know how to achieve results. To learn more or to schedule a free case evaluation, contact us today at (856) 795-8880 or fill out our online contact form.