What Happens If You’re Injured at a Sporting Event or Concert in Illinois?
What Happens If You’re Injured at a Sporting Event or Concert in Illinois?
Attending a sporting event or concert in Illinois should be an enjoyable experience. Whether you are cheering on your favorite team in Peoria or attending a live music performance, you expect a safe environment. Unfortunately, accidents can happen. When they do, it is important to understand your legal rights and options.
At Halliday McCall, we provide legal assistance to the Peoria public and help injured individuals pursue the compensation they may be entitled to under Illinois law.
Common Causes of Injuries at Illinois Events
Large events bring together crowds, vendors, security personnel, and complex venue operations. Injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Slip and fall accidents due to wet floors or spilled drinks
- Poorly maintained seating or broken handrails
- Inadequate crowd control leading to trampling or pushing
- Falling objects or equipment
- Negligent security resulting in assaults or altercations
- Parking lot accidents before or after the event
When venue owners or event organizers fail to maintain safe conditions, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries.
Who May Be Liable for Your Injury?
Determining liability is one of the most important steps in a personal injury claim. In Illinois, several parties could potentially be responsible, such
as:
- The stadium or venue owner
- The event promoter or organizer
- A third-party security company
- Vendors operating within the venue
- Maintenance contractors
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you may recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do Tickets Waive Your Right to Sue?
Many event tickets contain disclaimers or waiver language. However, these disclaimers do not automatically prevent you from filing a personal injury claim. While you may assume certain inherent risks—such as the possibility of being hit by a foul ball at a baseball game—you do not assume risks created by negligence, such as unsafe premises or inadequate security.
An experienced personal injury attorney can review the specific circumstances of your case and determine whether a waiver is enforceable.
What Should You Do After an Injury?
If you are injured at a sporting event or concert in Illinois, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Report the incident to venue management and request a written report.
- Take photos or videos of the scene, if possible.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Keep copies of medical records and expenses.
Prompt documentation can play a significant role in establishing negligence.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If another party’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Future medical care
Each case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
How Halliday McCall Can Help
Injury claims involving large venues and event organizers can be complex. These cases often involve insurance companies and multiple potentially liable parties. Halliday McCall provides legal assistance to individuals in Peoria who have been injured at sporting events or concerts. We work to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
If you were injured at a public event in Illinois, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your options and next steps.










