The Critical Role Of Public Liability Insurance For An Event

One of the most frequent sources of claims at events is slips, trips and falls. These can occur almost anywhere, from a puddle near a food stall, getting a foot caught in a table top covering, loose paving stones or even poor lighting. Something as seemingly minor as a spilled drink or a hidden cable can quickly result in a broken wrist or sprained ankle, potentially leading to a claim.

3rd party property damage is another issue organisers often face. Temporary event structures like gazebos or tents can be vulnerable to weather conditions. If strong winds lift a marquee and it damages someone’s property or injures a person, it can result in a costly claim. Similarly, stalls, equipment or parked vehicles may be unintentionally damaged during set up or break down. Injuries caused by defective or poorly maintained equipment also pose a real life risk and causes harm to an attendee, the organiser may be held liable. These incidents can escalate if there’s evidence that proper maintenance checks or safety standards weren’t followed.

Falling objects are another surprisingly common source of injury. A loose lighting rig, poorly secured prop or even a heavy promotional sign could fall and injure someone. In crowded areas, even small items can cause serious harm if they strike someone unexpectedly.

While less frequent, animal related incidents can still result in claims especially at community events or fairs where animals are part of the attraction. Whether it’s a horse-drawn carriage or a petting zoo, there’s always a risk of unpredictable behavior. A startled horse or a dog bite could lead to injuries, which may be legally pursued if negligence can be proven.

Food and drink stalls bring their own hazards. Burns and scalds from hot drinks, cooking equipment or open flames can happen quickly in busy catering areas. If a member of the public suffers a burn due to improper handling or safety oversights, liability may fall on the organiser or vendor.

Often, the foundation of a public liability claim is negligence. This might include failure to maintain a safe environment, such as not cleaning up a spill or not warning people of a slippery surface. It could also involve a lack of supervision particularly important for children’s activities or anything involving physical participation. If a child is injured because an activity wasn’t adequately monitored or an activity got out of hand, claims may follow.

Faulty design or construction can also lead to legal trouble. If a temporary structure collapses or a platform gives way and it’s found that corners were cut or safety wasn’t prioritised, that could be the basis for a serious injury claim.