When The Bass Drops But Safety Doesn't: What Every Concertgoer Should Know

When The Bass Drops But Safety Doesn’t: What Every Concertgoer Should Know

Live music hits differently, right?

Well, there’s nothing better than feeling the bass thump your chest and screaming lyrics with thousands of strangers. However, hear the dirty truth-

Concerts can turn dangerous. Fast.

Too often, when they arrive at a venue prepared to have fun, fans aren’t sure what to do next. That’s a problem because crowd safety concerns and concert injuries occur far more frequently than the industry wants to acknowledge.

Welcome to your guide to concert safety. Here you will find information every concert goer should know about potential risks, preventing injury, and how to handle problems when they occur.

Let’s jump in!

Inside this guide:

  • Why Concert Safety Is A Bigger Deal Than You Think
  • The Most Common Concert Injuries
  • What Venues Should Be Doing (But Often Aren’t)
  • Your Legal Options When Things Go Wrong
  • How To Stay Safe At Your Next Show

Why Concert Safety Is A Bigger Deal Than You Think

Everyone comes to a show anticipating a good time. No one expects to get injured.

But the numbers tell a scary story.

Researchers analyzed nearly 67,000 concert injuries and 232 deaths from crowds at concerts worldwide over 10 years. Those are NOT numbers to sneeze at. But even that statistic is probably conservative since most minor injuries at concerts go unreported.

Then there was Astroworld in 2021.

Ten fans died at Travis Scott’s Houston festival when overcrowding caused a crowd surge. Thousands were injured (more than 300 were hospitalized). The incident became one of the most publicized concert tragedies in recent history. It highlighted the negligence that some venues and promoters display.

Here’s the part that hits hardest-

Almost all of these tragedies could have been avoided. Increased security, crowd management and some safety planning would have prevented deaths.

If you or someone you care about has suffered injury due to a venue’s failure to protect you, you may have legal recourse. A contingency fee lawyer will take your case without ever charging you anything up front- their fees are contingent on you winning your case. That’s also why most injured fans filing a Boca Raton negligent security lawsuit retain a contingency fee attorney, rather than paying hourly or investing money into large retainers up front.

Let’s break down the biggest risks you need to know about.

The Most Common Concert Injuries

Not all concert injuries make national headlines. In fact, most are completely preventable moments you don’t think will ever happen to you… until they do.

The most common concert injuries include:

  • Crowd crush and trampling injuries
  • Slip and falls (spilled drinks are everywhere)
  • Assaults, fights, and even shootings
  • Falls from balconies or elevated seating
  • Hearing damage from unsafe sound levels
  • Heat stroke and dehydration at outdoor shows

Crowd surges are the scariest of the bunch. Thousands of people shoving violently all at once and the sheer pressure can break your ribcage and suffocate you. This occurred at Astroworld.

And slip and fall?

They occur all the time. Someone knocks over a beer. The floor becomes slippery. And then you find yourself down in the throes of humanity… Trying to get up is nearly impossible.

What Venues Should Be Doing (But Often Aren’t)

Venues and event organizers are responsible for your safety. This is not discretionary. It’s part of the contract when they sell you a ticket.

Here’s what a safe venue should provide:

  • Enough trained security staff for the crowd size
  • Clearly marked exits and emergency routes
  • Medical personnel on site
  • Crowd control barriers and strict capacity limits
  • Working lighting and signage
  • A plan for weather and other emergencies

Seems like a no-brainer. Amazing how many venues skimp on these things to save money.

Think about it-

If they oversell tickets and cram more people in a venue than is safely possible… That’s their fault. If they skimp on security and you get jumped and injured during a fight… That’s also their fault.

Keep in mind that if minimal safety guidelines are not followed, the venue/event organizer can be held liable for your actions.

Your Legal Options When Things Go Wrong

Suppose the worst-case scenario. You are injured at a concert due to the negligence of the venue.

Now what?

Seek medical treatment and begin keeping records. Photographs, witnesses’ names, medical reports, ticket stubs-everything is important. Next, consult with an attorney.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means-

  • No upfront costs: You don’t pay a retainer or hourly fees
  • They only get paid if you win: Fee deducted from your final settlement
  • Free consultations: You can talk to them at zero risk

Why a concert injury attorney who works on contingency can be a game-changer. If you have been hurt at a concert, you probably don’t have the money to pay a lawyer. Most people don’t have the money to pay a lawyer when they have been injured. So most folks are unable to obtain the services of a lawyer. When you work with a contingency fee attorney, the tables are turned. Anyone can afford the services of a competent attorney.

ONE MORE THING: Timing is important. Each state has deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, by which you must file. Don’t wait too long.

How To Stay Safe At Your Next Show

Now the practical details. No matter how reputable a venue is, you still need to take care of yourself.

Follow these tips at every concert:

  1. Scope out the exits when you arrive
  2. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip
  3. Stay hydrated (especially at outdoor events)
  4. Avoid the pit if you’re not built for it
  5. Watch how much you drink
  6. Keep your phone charged
  7. Set a meetup spot with friends

If you sense the crowd around you becoming unsafe, leave. Don’t wait until panic sets in. Crowds can kill in less than a minute.

Also keep in mind this: Trust your instinct. If a venue feels cramped when you step foot in the door, chances are it will stay that way. Leave the show if necessary.

The Bottom Line

Concerts should be focused on the music, crowd, and losing yourself. Not if you’re going to walk out alive.

Did you know concerts can result in injuries? Believe it or not, concerts cause injuries more frequently than you may think. Whether it’s a deadly crowd surge or a spilled drink at the EDM fest mosh pit, concerts can be dangerous. Here are a few ways you can avoid them.

Venues are cutting corners on safety.

If your concert night becomes an injury lawsuit due to negligence, don’t suffer in silence. Record events, seek medical treatment, and consult with a contingent lawyer. You shouldn’t have to pay legal fees upfront while shelling out money for doctors and lost wages.

The industry should step up its game. Until that happens, though, educate yourself on your rights, stay vigilant, and take care of yourself when the bass gets dropped.

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Life Coach, Teacher, Baseball coach, Entrepreneur, Traveler, Dreamer, Nola Shipfam..all of the above.

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