Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law represent anyone that gets hurt at a Tulsa entertainment venue. Events like the Tulsa State Fair are incredibly fun and memorable, but sometimes for the wrong reasons–like when there’s an accident causing injuries to you or a loved one. If this happens, our lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
Why You Might Need a Lawyer
You don’t have to hire a lawyer if you’re hurt in an accident in Tulsa or anywhere else in Oklahoma, but having one can really help. Accidents at fairs, in particular, can cause a wide range of injuries. Some of these will be minor, and won’t require legal action. But some will be serious, and the more serious your injuries, the more you might need legal help.
Our team at Ylla Gosney knows how to handle these cases. We will investigate the accident, find out who is responsible, and guide you through the claims process. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay anything upfront to work with us. Rather, we take our fee from whatever result we get for you.
What are the First Things You Should Do After an Accident at the Tulsa State Fair?
The Tulsa State Fair happens every year, lasting 11 days in late-September or early-October at Expo Square. Even though it’s a tradition, it’s still a potentially dangerous event. So, when you’re in an accident and get hurt, it’s important to do a few things to protect your potential claim. Focus on your health first, then gather the information you need for your claim. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 for medical care – The most important step is to get medical help right away. Calling 911 ensures you get immediate care and a medical record of the accident.
- Report the accident – Tell the fair’s staff or security about the accident immediately. They can help, document the incident, and create an official report.
- Gather witness information – Collect contact details from any witnesses. Their statements or accounts can help determine what happened.
- Document the accident scene – Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any hazards or equipment involved. This visual evidence is going to make your claim stronger.
- Be careful with statements – Avoid making detailed statements about who is at fault, especially to insurance adjusters or fair representatives. Stick to the facts about what happened.
Getting hurt at the fair can be scary, but how you respond is crucial for your claim. This is important not only for your legal options, but for your overall health and safety, as well as the health and safety of others at the fair.
Who’s Responsible When You’re Hurt at the Tulsa State Fair?
One of the most confusing aspects of getting hurt at the Tulsa State Fair is figuring out who is liable—or legally responsible—for the accident and your injuries. Legally, an accident at the fair is considered a “premises liability” claim. This means the fair’s organizers, workers, vendors, and anyone else there has a legal “duty” to keep you safe and free from hazards. Failing to do so is negligence, and when somebody is negligent, they have to pay for your “damages.”
That said, specifically trying to figure out liability can be complex and depends on what happened and who was involved. Here’s a general breakdown of who might be responsible when you’re hurt at the Tulsa State Fair:
- Organizers or management – The fair organizers and managers are the main ones responsible for ensuring the fairgrounds are safe. This can also include the local government if poor maintenance or oversight contributed to the accident.
- Staff and employees – People working at the fair, including those responsible for running activities, cleaning, or assisting visitors, must take precautions to prevent accidents.
- Parts or ride makers – If the accident involves a malfunctioning ride, game, or equipment, the manufacturer may share liability.
- Contractors or vendors – Companies hired to perform tasks or operate rides at the fair could be liable if their mistakes cause an accident.
- Other visitors – If another visitor’s actions cause an accident or injury, they might share the blame.
Figuring out who is liable depends on the specifics of the accident, including the actions or negligence involved and whether safety protocols were followed. This gives you a general idea of how your claim will progress, but again, every case plays out in its own way.
What is the Claims Process After an Accident at the Tulsa State Fair?
Legally speaking, an accident at the Tulsa State Fair that happens because of negligence gives you legal options. Probably the most beneficial option is the ability to file an injury claim against whoever is responsible. You generally do this by either filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. Here’s a quick look at these two options:
- Insurance claim – This is quicker but controlled by the insurance company, which decides how much to offer you in a settlement. Often, this amount is not enough to cover serious injuries.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance settlement is insufficient, you can file a lawsuit to seek proper financial support to be decided by a judge and jury. This is a fairer process, but takes more time and effort.
No matter which option you choose, you can recover certain “damages” from the liable party. The specific damages depend on your injuries and other factors, but generally include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
- Punitive damages, if the negligence was especially reckless or intentional
To recover these damages, you must file your claim within Oklahoma’s two-year statute of limitations and provide strong evidence to support your claim. At the same time, because everything depends on the circumstances, it’s important to look at the causes of these accidents and what can happen to you.
How Hurt Can You Get at the Tulsa State Fair?
The Tulsa State Fair, with its rides, shows, and numerous family activities, is a popular destination. However, the fair’s busy environment and various hazards can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Here are some common ways people can get hurt at the fair:
- Wet floors, uneven paths, or debris can cause people to slip and fall, leading to injuries like sprains, fractures, or head trauma.
- Uneven floors, loose wires, or unsecured equipment can cause trips and falls, leading to injuries like sprained ankles, broken bones, or cuts.
- Faulty rides can cause injuries such as whiplash, cuts, bruises, or even more serious trauma.
- Accidents between rides or between people and objects can result in bruises, fractures, or concussions.
- Running, pushing, or ignoring safety guidelines can lead to accidents, causing injuries such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones.
- Insufficient supervision can lead to accidents involving children or inexperienced riders, resulting in injuries like falls, cuts, or more severe trauma.
- Poor security or poorly lit areas can lead to assaults or robberies, resulting in physical injuries or emotional trauma.
- Food poisoning or allergic reactions to food served at the fair can cause stomach illnesses or allergic reactions, which may require medical attention.
By understanding these common risks, you can be better prepared to protect yourself and respond effectively if an accident happens. You never want to get hurt, but if you do, reach out to our experienced team for legal guidance.
Contact Ylla Gosney After an Accident at the Tulsa State Fair
The Tulsa State Fair is meant to be a fun and memorable outing for you and your family. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, turning a pleasant day into a stressful ordeal. If you or a loved one gets injured, the experienced team at Ylla Gosney is here to help. Our Tulsa entertainment venue lawyers understand the challenges you’re facing and are ready to assist you.
We can explain your options and guide you through the legal process to ensure you get the support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you through this process.