Injuries at Public Events in West Texas: Who Is Responsible?

Injuries at Public Events in West Texas: Who Is Responsible?

From rodeos and fairs to concerts and sporting events, West Texas knows how to bring communities together. Abilene, Sweetwater, and surrounding towns host countless public gatherings throughout the year — events that celebrate culture, music, food, and family. While most of these events go off without a hitch, accidents can and do happen.

When you’re injured at a public event, the question becomes: who is responsible? Was it an unavoidable accident, or did negligence play a role? For many victims, the answer lies in understanding Texas premises liability law and how it applies to event organizers, property owners, and vendors.

This article explores the most common types of event-related injuries, how liability works under Texas law, and what steps injured attendees should take to protect their rights.

The Excitement and Risks of Public Events

West Texas is home to some of the most popular local events in the state. From the West Texas Fair & Rodeo to concerts at the Taylor County Expo Center, these gatherings attract thousands of visitors. But with large crowds, complex logistics, and multiple moving parts, even minor safety lapses can result in serious injuries.

Common accident scenarios include:

• Slip-and-fall incidents from spilled drinks or uneven pavement
• Collapsed bleachers or grandstands
• Electrical or fire hazards from temporary wiring
• Injuries caused by crowd surges or poor crowd control
• Foodborne illnesses from improperly handled concessions
• Heat exhaustion or dehydration due to inadequate water access
• Vehicle or pedestrian accidents in poorly managed parking lots

When event planners or property owners cut corners on safety, attendees pay the price.

Understanding Premises Liability at Public Events

Texas premises liability law states that property owners and event organizers have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for attendees. Anyone invited to an event — whether ticketed or free admission — is considered an “invitee,” meaning they are owed the highest standard of care.

Event organizers must:

• Conduct regular inspections for hazards
• Provide adequate lighting, signage, and crowd management
• Maintain clear, obstacle-free walkways and exits
• Secure electrical and mechanical equipment
• Ensure staff and volunteers are trained in emergency response

If they fail to meet these responsibilities and a visitor is injured as a result, they can be held liable for damages. Review Texas premises liability statutes at statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Who May Be Liable for Event Injuries

One of the most challenging aspects of event injury cases is determining who is actually responsible. Multiple parties may share liability, depending on where and how the incident occurred.

Event organizers or promoters: They oversee safety protocols, crowd control, and general operations. If they fail to plan adequately for emergencies or hazards, they may be at fault.

Property owners: Venues such as fairgrounds, stadiums, or arenas must maintain safe conditions. If a dangerous structural issue causes an injury, the property owner could be liable.

Vendors and contractors: Food vendors, stage crews, and equipment rental companies are responsible for their own equipment and areas. A faulty tent setup or unsafe grill could lead to vendor liability.

Security companies: If an attendee is assaulted or injured due to lack of security or improper handling, private security firms hired for the event may share responsibility.

Municipalities or government entities: For public events held on city or county property, governmental immunity may apply, but there are exceptions when negligence is proven.

Common Types of Event Injuries

While every case is different, certain types of injuries appear frequently in public event settings:

• Slip-and-fall injuries from spilled drinks or uneven flooring
• Broken bones and fractures from collapsing seating or falls
• Heat-related illness due to lack of water or shade
• Food poisoning from improperly stored or prepared food
• Head and neck injuries from falling objects or crowd surges
• Assault injuries from poor security or crowd management

The Role of Negligence

To hold an event organizer or property owner liable, an injured person must prove that negligence occurred. In Texas, negligence requires showing that:

1. The defendant owed a duty of care
2. They breached that duty by acting (or failing to act) reasonably
3. The breach directly caused the injury
4. The injury led to measurable damages

For example, if a concert promoter fails to provide adequate barriers near the stage and fans are injured in a crowd surge, that could be grounds for a negligence claim. Similarly, if a fairground owner ignores reports of broken bleachers that later collapse, liability may rest with the property owner.

What To Do After an Injury at a Public Event

If you are injured while attending a public event, your actions immediately afterward are crucial to protecting your health and your legal rights.

• Seek medical care immediately and document your injuries
• Report the incident to staff, security, or management
• Take photos and videos of the hazard and your injuries
• Get contact information from witnesses or staff
• Keep your ticket or wristband as proof of attendance
• Do not sign waivers or statements without legal advice
• Contact an attorney experienced in Texas premises liability law

Compensation for Event-Related Injuries

Injured attendees may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the circumstances and severity of their injuries:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering for emotional and physical distress
• Disfigurement damages for scarring or long-term cosmetic harm
• Wrongful death damages for families who lose a loved one due to negligence

Government Liability at Public Events

Some public events are sponsored or managed by local governments or held on city or county property. In these cases, different legal standards may apply. Texas law provides “sovereign immunity” to government entities, but this protection isn’t absolute.

If negligence stems from unsafe conditions, poorly maintained property, or the actions of a government employee, the Texas Tort Claims Act may allow an injured person to seek damages. However, strict filing deadlines and notice requirements apply. Learn more at statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

How Low Law Firm Can Help

At Low Law Firm, Tara Gilmore-Low and her team represent victims of preventable accidents throughout Abilene and the Big Country. We understand how chaotic public events can be and how difficult it is to pinpoint fault.

Our firm investigates the scene, interviews witnesses, reviews contracts and safety records, and identifies all potentially liable parties — from event organizers to third-party vendors. We also negotiate with insurers and, when necessary, pursue litigation to secure the full compensation clients deserve.

Conclusion

Public events are meant to bring joy and community, not injury and hardship. But when organizers, property owners, or vendors fail to take reasonable safety measures, attendees can suffer lasting harm.

If you or a loved one has been injured at a public event in Abilene, Sweetwater, or anywhere in West Texas, don’t assume it was just bad luck. It may have been preventable.

Contact Low Law Firm today for a free consultation. Tara Gilmore-Low and her experienced legal team can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you need to recover.