Hidden Hazards In Pop-Up Structures
Temporary outdoor structures like tents, stages, booths, or scaffolding are common at festivals, construction sites, and community events across Baton Rouge. While they may only be in place for a short time, their risks can be very real. As a Baton Rouge, LA premises liability lawyer, we at Palmintier Law Group represent individuals injured due to poorly secured or improperly constructed temporary setups. These cases often involve structural collapse, trip-and-fall incidents, or falling debris, and the resulting medical costs contribute significantly to the financial burden families face after a serious injury.
Who’s Responsible For Temporary Structures?
One of the first questions we help clients answer is: who owned or controlled the structure? Responsibility may fall on event organizers, property owners, vendors, or third-party contractors hired to build and maintain the setup. When safety corners are cut or inspections are skipped, injury liability becomes a central legal issue. We examine contracts, permits, and maintenance records to trace responsibility clearly. We can hold multiple parties responsible for your accident if it is discovered that multiple people failed to do their job.
Common Safety Violations And Risk Factors
Temporary outdoor structures often fail when they’re not anchored properly, when weight limits are exceeded, or when weather conditions are ignored. For example, a tent that is not properly anchored may be whisked away by the wind and hit attendees, injuring them. Other risks include exposed wiring, uneven flooring, or poor visibility after dark. We investigate whether local codes were followed, whether inspections took place, and whether staff were trained to monitor the area. A lack of due diligence can quickly shift liability to those in charge of safety.
Gathering Evidence After An Injury
Prompt action is critical in these cases. Structures are often removed quickly after an event or incident, leaving little time to document the hazard. We advise clients to take photographs immediately, collect contact information for witnesses, and request any incident reports from on-site staff. Surveillance footage may also be available if requested before it’s erased.
Even if the hazard is no longer present, we can often reconstruct the scene using event maps, vendor layouts, or testimony from other attendees. This kind of documentation is essential to building a strong premises liability case.
How These Cases Differ From Standard Slip And Falls
Unlike typical indoor falls or static premises hazards, temporary structure claims involve multiple moving parts, literally and legally. Liability can be shared among multiple parties, and insurance coverage may vary widely between them. For example, a food vendor may carry general liability insurance, while a property owner’s policy might exclude temporary fixtures. We help clients work through these layered claims to pursue full compensation.
These injuries often involve high-impact trauma, including fractures, concussions, or spine injuries, especially when collapses or falls from height occur. They may also trigger long-term consequences, from chronic pain to the need for in-home support, adding to the injury liability of the at-fault party.
Supporting Families Through Recovery
Palmintier Law Group has recovered over $1 billion for clients and brings 80 years of combined experience to every claim. We know how to hold event organizers, property managers, and contractors accountable when their oversights lead to preventable harm. We work to ensure that you are protected after an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a temporary structure on someone else’s property, contact Palmintier Law Group to pursue the compensation you deserve.