On 29th April this year, the future King of England will marry his long term partner Kate Middleton amidst what is set to be the grandest public party for decades.
The capital, as well as other towns and cities across the UK, will be awash with street parties and mass public gatherings, especially en route to Westminster Abbey and in Hyde Park, where over 200,000 spectators are expected to watch the couple’s big day on giant screens in the shadow of a London Eye style observation wheel.
Whilst it is easy to get carried away with the excitement the event will bring, it is important to consider the risks posed by such large public gatherings and the responsibilities of those tasked with their management.
Who is liable for safety at public gatherings?
Many local authorities have published guides on their websites for neighbourhoods planning their own street parties and these outline who will hold responsibility for public liability. Larger gatherings, such as those to be held in Hyde Park, will be subject to control and management by the local authority and police force. And if something goes wrong that leads to an accident causing injury to a member of the public, they could be subject to a compensation claim.
So what can go wrong at public gatherings? Poor crowd management leading to crush injuries or the opposite, over-zealous crowd control; firework hazards; toxic spills or leaks; food poisoning; slips and trips: all issues that could lead to claims.
Accidents at public events: claiming compensation
Major gatherings don’t just take place when there’s a Royal Wedding; outdoor New Year parties; sporting event celebrations; public demonstrations: if you have been involved in an accident at a public event and have sustained an injury which you believe is the result of negligence on the part of the organisers, you should look to pursue a claim for compensation.
The specialist personal injury claims solicitors at Stephensons will advise you on who may be liable for your injury and will let you know your chances of success. For confidential advice, call us on 01616 966 229.
By personal injury solicitor, Kate Sweeney
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