Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law helps injury victims throughout Oklahoma City. Accidents can happen anywhere in the city, but are especially prevalent at one of the city’s many entertainment venues. If you or a loved one has been injured, our Oklahoma City premises liability lawyers are here to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
Going to an event in Oklahoma City is usually fun and exciting, but an accident that leaves you injured can change that quickly. So, when do you need a lawyer? It mainly depends on how bad your injuries are. If your injuries are minor, you might not need a lawyer. However, for more serious injuries, having a lawyer is important.
Our team can help by:
- Explaining your rights
- Investigating the incident
- Gathering important evidence
- Guiding you through the legal process
Our goal is to make things easier for you and your family, so you can focus on getting better while we handle the legal matters.
What Should You Do After an Accident at an Oklahoma City Entertainment Venue?
Going to a concert or Thunder game at the Paycom Center or a show at the Tower Theatre is one of the best parts about living or visiting Oklahoma City. Yet, getting hurt in an accident at one of these venues is always a risk. Even with precautions, you can get injured. If this happens, you have certain legal options, but first, you have to take certain steps to gather the necessary information and evidence you’ll need. Here’s what you should do:
- Check for injuries – First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services. The venue likely has first aid, but calling an ambulance is also a good idea.
- Tell the venue what happened – Report the accident to the venue’s personnel right away. They are trained to handle emergencies and can help you. Ask staff for an incident report form and provide detailed information about what happened.
- Get more medical care – Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor immediately. Some injuries might not show up right away but could get worse without treatment.
- Document what happened – Take photos of the accident scene, including any injuries or damage. This is, obviously, very important evidence for your potential claim.
- Exchange pertinent information – If others are involved, exchange contact details and insurance information. This is needed for filing insurance claims.
- Keep records of everything – Keep track of any medical treatments or repairs needed due to the accident. Stay in touch with the stadium and your insurance company to ensure everything is handled smoothly.
Every accident is different, but these steps will help take care of immediate injuries and strengthen your potential claim. Remember, the more severe your injuries, the more challenging things can become. That’s why it’s important to get this information, and to understand what your options are.
What Are Your Legal Options After an Injury at an Entertainment Venue in Oklahoma City?
As an injury victim, this gives you the ability to file an injury claim to recover “damages” from the responsible party. Usually, the venue itself is going to be involved, but your main focus should be getting better. Your damages are going to be closely related to your injuries and other losses, but filing a claim can be done in one of two ways:
- An insurance claim
- A personal injury lawsuit
Insurance claims are quicker and less formal, but insurers will try to minimize payouts. Going to court takes more time but can result in higher compensation because a judge and jury decide the outcome.
A successful claim is going to allow you to recover financial support for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Repair or replacement costs for damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses if the injuries are fatal
- Punitive damages in cases of intentional harm
Again, your damages are going to be heavily dependent on what actually happened, who’s at fault, and how hurt you are. Still, it’s crucial to protect your claim and file it on time. In Oklahoma, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim.
Who Pays For Your Damages After an Accident at an Entertainment Venue?
Fault is an important part of any claim, but especially one where you get hurt. Legally speaking, an accident at an entertainment venue in Oklahoma City falls under “premises liability” laws. This helps narrow down who pays for your damages (liability), but isn’t always straightforward.
Premises liability means the responsibility for your injuries lies with whoever owns or manages the property. As the manager or owner, The people and company that manage the venue itself usually bears a large part of the responsibility. If they didn’t fix known problems or failed to do something necessary, like providing adequate security, they’re at fault.
But again, responsibility is determined by whether the venue did everything they should have to keep you safe, as well as what actually happened. So, depending on the circumstances, other parties might also be responsible, such as:
- Other people in the crowd
- Venue staff
- Security personnel
- Maintenance workers
- Product or food makers
- Architects who designed the venue
The reason that liability is so important is because it effectively sets the course of your claim. It tells you who you’ll be filing against, but more importantly, who is legally responsible for paying for your injuries and other losses. And in an accident at an entertainment venue, these can be extensive.
What Can Happen To You in an Oklahoma City Entertainment Venue Accident?
Being that Oklahoma City is the cultural and population center of the state, it’s no surprise that it has so many entertainment options and venues, like:
- Paycom Center
- The Criterion
- Civic Center Music Hall
- Tower Theatre
- The Oklahoma City Zoo and Amphitheatre
- Scissortail Park
Unfortunately, though, access to these events and happenings can lead to accidents. What’s more, these accidents can cover a wide range of injuries and other damage, and bring a lot of uncertainty. Common accidents at these venues include:
- Slippery floors – Spilled drinks, food, or rain can make the floor slippery, causing people to fall.
- Crowd rushes – When big crowds move quickly, people can trip or get pushed, leading to injuries.
- Broken seats or stairs – Poorly maintained seats, stairs, or walkways can collapse, causing accidents.
- Falling objects – Items thrown from above or falling signs can hit and injure people below.
- Too many people – Overcrowding can make the stadium unsafe and hard to evacuate in an emergency.
- Poor security – Not enough security or poor crowd control can lead to fights or other violent incidents.
- Alcohol and drugs – Drinking too much or using drugs can impair judgment and coordination, leading to accidents.
- Faulty equipment – Broken elevators, escalators, or lights can cause accidents.
- Criminal activities – Venues can be targets for crimes like assaults and robberies, especially in dimly lit areas and parking garages or lots.
Remember, it’s not just about what happens to you; it’s about how you respond. No matter the nature of your accident, it’s crucial to know what steps to take and what help is available to you. This is where our lawyers and team can step in and support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the injuries that can happen in an event venue accident?
There’s a wide range of potential injuries in an accident at an OKC entertainment venue. Usually, minor injuries like cuts or bruises happen, but even more serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries and broken bones have been known to happen.
How long do I have to file my injury claim?
You have up to two years from the accident date to file your claim for injuries or wrongful death after an accident at an OKC entertainment venue. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather new evidence and locate witnesses who may have moved away.
Does it matter who owns the venue?
Yes. The owner of the particular venue has the legal responsibility to keep you and other event-goers safe, but many venue owners hire management companies and contractors to run the events themselves. All of these parties are potentially liable if you get hurt.
Contact Ylla Gosney After an Accident at an Oklahoma City Entertainment Venue
Going for a fun night out at an entertainment venue in Oklahoma City is supposed to be memorable and fun. However, when you get hurt in an accident at one of these venues, it can really impact your life. Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law understand what you’re going through and can help you recover. If you or someone you know has been injured because of a venue’s negligence and want to know more about your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.
