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Understanding public liability at events: your rights and what to do if you’re injured

Published on March 4, 2025 by Hayley Aldrich

Attending events such as concerts, festivals, and sports matches is a great way to enjoy entertainment and social gatherings. However, large crowds and busy venues can pose risks, and injuries at public events are not uncommon. If you find yourself injured at an event, understanding public liability laws and your rights can help you take the right steps.

What is Public Liability?

Public liability law exists to ensure that property owners, event organisers, and businesses take reasonable precautions to provide a safe environment for visitors. Despite the name, these claims aren’t limited to injuries in traditional public spaces. For example, you could also have a valid claim if an injury occurs in a private property setting like a rental property or Airbnb.

To successfully claim compensation, you need to show that another party was negligent in maintaining a safe environment and that this negligence directly caused your injury. Even if you were partially responsible, you may still be eligible for compensation.

Common risks at public events

Attending large-scale events comes with unique risks, including:

• Overcrowding and poor crowd control – large groups of people in confined spaces can result in trampling, crushing injuries, and breathing difficulties.
• Slips, trips, and falls – spilled drinks, unstable flooring, poorly lit areas, and uneven surfaces can lead to serious injuries.
• Unsafe equipment or structures – faulty staging, lighting rigs, and poorly assembled temporary seating can pose hazards.
• Security incidents and assaults – alcohol consumption at these events can increase the likelihood of altercations, including excessive force from security personnel.
• Extreme weather conditions – outdoor events can expose attendees to risks such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, or injuries caused by severe weather conditions.

Steps to take if you’re injured at an event

If you sustain an injury at a public event, acting quickly can help protect your rights and strengthen any potential claim:

1. Seek medical attention – even minor injuries should be checked by a healthcare professional to prevent complications.
2. Report the incident  –  notify event staff or security and request an official incident report.
3. Collect evidence  – take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area. If possible, get statements from witnesses and their contact details.
4. Keep records  – document medical visits, receipts, and any communication with the event organiser or venue.
5. Get early legal advice  –  a lawyer experienced in public liability claims can assess your case and help determine your potential compensation.

What compensation can you claim?

A successful public liability claim may cover:

• Medical expenses – costs related to treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost income – reimbursement for time off work due to your injury.
• Future earning capacity – compensation if your injury affects long-term employment.
• Pain and suffering – consideration for physical and emotional distress.
• Care and assistance costs – compensation for domestic and personal care services needed due to injury-related limitations.

Since strict time limits apply to making a public liability claim, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is essential. Generally, adults have three years from the date of injury to file a claim, while children or individuals with a disability may have up to six years.

Who can be held liable?

Depending on the circumstances of your injury, liability may rest with:

• Event organisers – if they failed to provide adequate crowd control, security, or safety measures.
• Venue owners – if hazards such as poorly maintained flooring, faulty structures, or inadequate emergency procedures contributed to your injury.
• Security companies – if excessive force or negligence by security personnel led to harm.
• Equipment providers – if malfunctioning or unsafe staging, lighting, or sound equipment played a role in the incident.

Staying safe at public events

While event organisers have a duty to maintain a safe environment, taking precautions can help reduce your own risk:

• Be aware of your surroundings – keep an eye on crowd density and locate emergency exits.
• Watch out for hazards – be mindful of uneven surfaces, spills, and unstable structures.
• Remain vigilant in large crowds – if a situation feels unsafe, move to a less crowded area.
• Stay hydrated and prepared – if attending an outdoor event, bring water and dress appropriately for weather conditions.
• Follow event safety guidelines – pay attention to safety instructions, warning signs, and venue regulations.

Know your rights and take action

If you’ve been injured at a public event due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Consulting with a public liability lawyer can help clarify your rights and guide you through the claims process.

Attending events should be enjoyable and stress-free. By staying informed and taking precautions, you can minimise risks while making the most of concerts, festivals, and other public gatherings. However, if an injury occurs, knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal outcome.

Public liability laws exist to ensure that event attendees are protected from preventable injuries caused by negligence. If you’ve been harmed at an event, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Seeking legal advice early can help determine the best course of action and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

No one expects to get injured while enjoying a concert or festival, but if it happens, knowing your rights and taking swift action can help protect your interests and support your recovery.

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice. If you are seeking professional advice on any legal matters, you can contact Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers on 1800 059 278 or via our Contact Page and one of our lawyers will be able to assist you. If you or a loved one have been injured, use our Personal injury Claim Check now.

Disclosure and important note: This article is based on our own legal research and thinking. Some of its content has been generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The authors have checked and approved this article, including the AI generated content, for publication.