Negligent Security at Sporting Events, Stadiums & Other Performance Venues

A good time at a sporting event, concert, fair, swap meet, or other event taking place in a public venue can quickly become a nightmare if you are the victim of a crime or accident. In many cases, better security measures, such as properly secured entrances, I.D. checks, and crowd control, could have prevented the incident from occurring. Read on for more information about negligent security at sporting events and performance venues.

When you are attending a sporting event, concert, convention, or other event held in a performance venue, you are an invited guest on the premises. This means the venue owner or the business running the event is responsible for taking reasonable steps to not only warn you of any dangers, but also to ensure your safety while you are there. This includes security measures aimed at preventing crime and protecting event goers. Depending on the type of event, any or all of the following security measures may be necessary and reasonable:

• Security alarms
• Video surveillance
• Camera monitors
• Intercom systems
• Metal detectors
• Controlled access panels
• Gates and fencing
• Door and window locks
• Adequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, parking lots, restrooms, and other areas
• Security guards, bouncers, doormen, and other security professionals
• Key control policies
• Guest or visitor screening
• Crowd control procedures

At sporting events, concerts, and other public events potentially involving competitive energy, alcohol, waiting in lines, excitement, and the exchange of money, it is reasonable to assume that there is the potential for crime. Because crime is a foreseeable hazard at most public events, venue owners and organizers must take proper precautions to protect visitors. If security measures fail, victims of any resulting crimes may hold them responsible.

Companies organizing sporting events and performances for the public often hire security personnel, including guards, security officers, bouncers, and loss prevention staff, through private security companies. If the actions (or lack of action) of hired security personnel caused or contributed to the incident causing your injury, you may still hold the venue owner or operator of the event liable for your damages. This is because venue owners and managers are responsible for the negligent acts and omissions of their employees and agents, including security personnel.  Once the venue owner assumes the duty to provide security for the event, it must be done in a non-negligent manner.  In other words, the mere act of providing some security does not shield the venue owner of liability if the security provided was inadequate.  

If you were the victim of inadequate security at a sporting event, concert, or other public venue in the Atlanta area or across Georgia, please contact the legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers today at 404-460-0101 to schedule a free initial consultation. We can help you obtain just compensation from property owners, event managers, performers, and other audience members who fail to protect you according to the law.