Premises liability claim follows overdose death at music festival

Aug 4, 2016

Parents who allow their children to attend occasions such as music festivals in Connecticut or elsewhere would naturally want to have comfort in knowing that there will be sufficient control and medical care in the events of emergencies. Visitors to such venues will want to feel that they are entering a safe environment. Raves are sometimes known to have elements present that may endanger the lives of others due to the availability of illegal substances, and organizers may be held responsible via premises liability lawsuits if guests suffer injuries or worse.

One such lawsuit was recently filed by the parents of a 19-year-old girl who died of a drug overdose at a music festival in another state last summer. The organizers of the rave, along with other entities, were named as defendants in the lawsuit. It is alleged that the girl’s death was preventable. According to the complaint, the defendants should have been aware of the fact that such festivals are commonly associated with the availability of drugs such as Ecstasy. It is claimed that the dangers were largely ignored in favor of the revenue potential.

Court documents indicate that the attendance figure at the rave was recorded as 65,000 while only four stations were established to provide medical services. Furthermore, it is alleged that the medical personnel who treated the unresponsive girl were not adequately trained to handle the emergency. The suit also noted that another 18-year-old girl died from an overdose of Ecstasy earlier that day and that the emergency stations were overwhelmed by approximately 50 other festival attendees who suffered comas and seizures caused by drugs.

Connecticut families who have lost loved ones due to the actions — or -non-actions — of others retain the right to pursue claims for financial relief. Individuals or organizers of events could be held accountable through the judicial system. A premises liability lawsuit can be filed in a civil court, and upon proof of negligence, the court may award a monetary judgment to cover documented losses.

Source: NBC Los Angeles, “Family Sues Music Festival After Daughter’s OD“, July 27, 2016

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