Premises Liability: Injured at the Trade Show
Las Vegas, Nevada
Injured while at the trade show
If you got injured at the trade show, call us at 702-432-1000.
We don't charge for consultations.
We represent clients in Las Vegas and Nevada.
We also represent many tourists who got injured while visiting Las Vegas.
What is a premises liability at the trade show?
Premises liability at a trade show refers to the legal responsibility of the organizers, exhibitors, and venue owners to ensure the safety of attendees and others present at the event. Trade show premises liability involves maintaining a safe environment and taking reasonable measures to prevent accidents and injuries. If accidents occur due to hazardous conditions or negligence, liability may arise.
What kind of accidents occur at the trade shows?
Common accidents at trade shows could include:
Slips, Trips, and Falls:
• These are common accidents at trade shows, often caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways.
Falling Objects:
• Exhibitors often display products or signage, which, if not properly secured, can fall and injure attendees.
Fall Hazards:
• Wearing inappropriate footwear, such as high heels or shoes with worn-out soles, can increase the likelihood of slipping and falling.
Crowd-Related Incidents:
• Large crowds can lead to accidents such as trampling, primarily if inadequate crowd control measures exist.
Structural Failures:
• Collapses or failures of temporary structures, stages, or booths can cause significant injuries.
Who is liable for an accident?
The liability for a trade show accident often falls on:
- Event organizer,
- Exhibitor,
- Venue owner,
- Contractors / Service providers.
Usually, the trade show accidents that become lawsuits have one thing in common: somebody on the premises was negligent.
Suing for negligence
Under Nevada law, the negligent party (or their business insurance) is financially responsible for all damages. It includes medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
In some cases, it could be multiple parties negligent.
Do trade show exhibitors have liability insurance?
Yes. Every exhibitor, contractor, and service provider must buy trade show liability insurance to participate in the trade show. This insurance covers general liability, premises rented, certain medical expenses, and personal and advertising injuries.
The event organizers also have liability insurance for the trade show. The event's organizers must have certificates of insurance, or COI, on file for all businesses and exhibitors participating in the event.
Liability waivers
Signing a liability waiver at a trade show is a common practice and an important legal document that attendees, exhibitors, and participants often encounter. Many liability waivers today are often signed digitally during registration.
Liability waivers (also known as release of liability forms or disclaimers) are contracts in which individuals agree not to hold the event organizers or venue responsible for any injuries or damages that might occur during the event.
What if I signed a liability waiver at the trade show and got hurt?
If you signed a waiver at the trade show and got injured, immediately connect with a personal injury lawyer from Heshmati and Associates. Signing a waiver is not the end of the story. The trade show organizers still owe you a safe experience. Even if you signed a liability waiver, the attorney could challenge it in court. If it is your case, still give us a call.
What to do if you are injured while attending a trade show?
If you are injured while attending a trade show, taking certain steps to ensure your safety and well-being and protect your legal rights is essential. Here's what you should do if you're hurt while attending a trade show:
1. Seek immediate medical attention: If your injuries are severe, seek medical help immediately. Can you walk? Your health and well-being are the top priority.
2. Report the incident: Inform the event organizers or venue staff about the accident and your injuries. They need to be aware of the situation and may be able to assist. Get an incident report.
3. Document the scene: Take photos or ask somebody to take photos of the accident scene, including any hazards that might have caused your injury. These photos can serve as valuable evidence later if you decide to sue.
4. Get contact information: Obtain the names and contact information of witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements can be crucial if you need to establish the facts of the incident.
5. Preserve evidence: Your clothing and shoes might serve as evidence. Also, keep copies of any medical reports, bills, or other documents related to your injuries and treatment.
6. Do not admit fault: Avoid making any statements or admissions of fault, especially if you are uncertain about the circumstances of the accident. Anything you say could be used against you later.
7. Consult an attorney: If your injuries are significant, you should talk to an attorney experienced in property liability cases. We invite you to call us at 702-432-1000.
What happens if the person injured at the trade show had prior injuries?
If a person is injured at a trade show and has prior injuries, it can complicate their case's legal and medical aspects. If the trade show injury aggravates pre-existing conditions, it can still be a valid basis for a legal claim. However, proving that the new injury worsened an existing condition and determining the extent of this aggravation can be complex. Insurance companies and legal defense teams may argue that the current injury is not solely the result of the trade show accident but a result of the pre-existing condition.
It's essential for the injured person to fully disclose their medical history, including any prior injuries or conditions, to their healthcare providers, legal representatives, and insurance companies. Failure to disclose previous injuries can have legal consequences.
Beware of social media
We recommend you stop using social media when seeking compensation for your injury. Insurance adjusters read every post you publish and, when they can, will use it against you.
If you are partly at fault
In some cases, attendees of a trade show can be partially liable if they directly contributed to the accident. For instance, if someone ignored marked hazards and got injured or was intoxicated during the accident. You can still collect compensation from all other at-fault parties if you are less than 51% responsible for the accident.
We can help
Our office handles premises liability claims all the time.
To discuss your situation, call our office at 702-432-1000.
We handle premises liability cases on a contingency basis. You pay us only when we win your case.
Consultations are free.
We serve clients in Las Vegas and Nevada.
Last updated on February 3, 2024.
