For a third year, fights broke out among tailgaters of the WXTU Radio anniversary concert in a parking lot near the Susquehanna Bank Center, the site of the concert. Three individuals were hospitalized when fights broke out among the music festival tailgaters. One Mt. Ephraim woman, 51, and her son, in his 30s, became the victims of a group attack while in the parking lot. The pair did not wish to be identified by name. The woman was dragged through the parking lot. Her son was repeatedly punched in the face and head, and struggled to breathe, according to one witness. Yet another unidentified individual was stabbed in the hand. It is not clear if any arrests have yet occurred for the injuries occurring at this event. 

Violence has broken out at the anniversary concert in previous years, as well. In 2012, the WXTU outdoor music festival was the site of over 190 arrests for fighting at the concert, and some 163 individuals required treatment for their injuries from EMTs on site. 2011’s event saw the stabbing of a police officer who was attempting to break up a fight. Since there is a history of fights breaking out at these events, the concert organizers are aware that violence is a problem at these events. Venue management and concert organizers may have a duty to take steps to prevent dangerous conditions at their events. If the owners of the property on which events are held, or the parties funding (and profiting from) the events, are aware that large crowds will be in attendance and that fights tend to break out among the crowds, they generally have an obligation to provide security personnel and take other measures to ensure that attendees are safe from a known risk. In the case of this year’s fighting, the concert organizers may not be found responsible for fighting that occurred outside of, but nearby, the concert venue, but if the tailgating was organized or sponsored by the concert’s organizers, they may still be found responsible for providing for the safety of the tailgaters.

If you have been the victim of a fight, make sure you’re fully compensated for any medical bills, lost work, or pain and suffering you’ve experienced. Contact Morristown personal injury lawyers Smith & Doran for a free evaluation of your claim. Our knowledgeable attorneys can ensure that you receive money you may be owed for your injuries. Call today at 973-292-0016.