Attorneys for Astroworld Music Festival Victims
The Astroworld Festival turned deadly on November 5, 2021, when a crowd surge during Travis Scott’s performance left hundreds of people near the stage with nowhere to go.
The stories from the event are horrific: people screaming, bleeding, and even falling unconscious due to inability to breathe. Hundreds were treated at a field hospital set up near the event, and dozens were taken to area hospitals, many in cardiac arrest. At least eight people died.
What is a crowd surge?
A crowd surge occurs when a large crowd of people begins to push from the back, pressing people at the front up against the stage or barricade with nowhere to go. Unfortunately, crowd surges are not unheard of at large events where many people (over 50,000 in this case) are standing close together. They can happen at concerts, sporting events, and even during holiday shopping.
Crowd surges have the potential to cause serious injuries: crush injuries, broken bones, lacerations, and even cardiac issues. Victims may be paralyzed or have traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Being at the front of a crowd surge is also an intensely traumatic event that may cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have a lifelong impact on the victim’s quality of life. It’s not unlikely that victims of this incident may develop a long-term aversion to crowds or concerts, for example.
Who might be liable for an Astroworld injury?
While the causes of this particular event are still under investigation, there is a troubling history of significant injuries at these types of events that could give rise to a liability claim or lawsuit. Indeed, this is not even the first time severe injuries have occurred at a Travis Scott performance – in 2017, a man was paralyzed when he was allegedly forced over a railing at a concert in Manhattan. Moreover, according to reports, Houston city officials met with Scott prior to the performance to express concerns about crowd control.
In addition to the performers who were on stage at the time – Scott and fellow rapper Aubrey Drake Graham – the venue, NRG Park, the organizer, Live Nation, and other parties could be potentially responsible for the deaths and injuries. Pursuing compensation through an Astroworld lawsuit or liability claim may be critical not only to help victims, but also to prevent future incidents.
Talk to an attorney about potential compensation
As we grieve and pray for those harmed, we also look toward accountability. Smith & Hassler stands ready to help victims and their families with the legal implications of this tragedy. We may be able to help you file a claim for the compensation you need to move forward and pursue justice for this terrible incident.
If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one, we can listen to your story and answer any questions about your legal options. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with an Astroworld injury attorney today.