Las Vegas is an internationally renowned vacation destination, and the city’s world-class stage performances are a big part of what draws tourists. When audiences attend these shows, they may take for granted all the precautions that are necessary to ensure every performance is safe for both the entertainers and the spectators. If these systems ever fail, they can result in severe injuries and fatalities, often prompting investigations and personal injury lawsuits.
Eleven people were taken to the hospital in after an accident occurred during a Rhode Island performance of “Legends,” a Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus production. Eight of these were acrobats, who had been performing an act called the “human chandelier,” in which they are suspended by their hair. The accident was apparently the result of a failure in the cable that was holding up the performers. No spectators were hurt.
The incident is being investigated by several agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. According to a statement made to a media source, the apparatus in this performance had been used many times since February. This report does not mention when the involved agencies expect to release their findings.
When people work for entertainment groups or attend live shows, they trust that those in charge have taken all necessary precautions to make sure that everyone in the area will be safe during the performances. If owners and managers do not take this responsibility seriously they open themselves up to premises liability and personal injury suits, as injured parties may choose to pursue civil litigation to recoup any financial losses they incurred as a result of their injuries. If you have been hurt during a stage show and would like to know more about your legal options, you may want to speak with a lawyer.
Source: “‘Human chandelier’ falls: 9 performers hurt in Rhode Island circus accident,” Susanna Capelouto, Mark Morgenstein and Dana Ford, May 5, 2014.
