You can sue for heatstroke injuries in certain circumstances.
Heatstroke Injuries at Outdoor Events in Texas: When to Sue
Record-breaking heat is scorching the greater part of Texas this summer.
Everyone is susceptible to heatstroke in extreme temperatures. Businesses and event organizers in Texas know this and should take adequate steps to ensure that their invited guests don’t suffer a heatstroke injury. When they fail to do this, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Before you and your family attend an outdoor event this summer, learn what to do and what your potential legal options are if you suffer a heatstroke injury.
Did You Know?
According to CDC data from 2023, you are more likely to suffer a heatstroke injury during the months of July and August.
Common Events Where Heatstroke is Likely to Occur
Many outdoor events across Texas are a beloved staple of summer fun for families. However, in these times of unprecedented heat, they also come with risks if organizers don’t take the proper precautions.
Common outdoor events where you may suffer a heatstroke injury include:
- Music Festivals,
- Marathons,
- Concerts,
- Carnivals,
- Sport Tournaments,
- And Conventions.
Recognizing Heatstroke and First Aid
Heatstroke is no joke — victims can suffer permanent injury or disability from heatstroke.
Heatstroke occurs when the body reaches an internal temperature of 103°F. The symptoms include:
- Nausea,
- Confusion,
- Fainting,
- Red, Hot, and Dry or Damp Skin,
- Fast, Strong Pulse,
- And Dizziness.
If you believe someone is suffering from heat stroke, immediately call 9-1-1. While you wait for EMS to arrive:
- Move the victim to a cooler place (i.e., indoors, under shade, or in a vehicle with air conditioning).
- Treat areas that hold heat with water (underarms, groin, and the back of the neck) to speed the cooling process.
- Do not give the person something to drink.
Suing for a Heatstroke Injury at an Outdoor Event
If an event organizer or company was negligent, you may have grounds to sue for your heatstroke injury.
Under the theory of premises liability law, event organizers have a responsibility to keep their guests reasonably safe from heatstroke. This is especially true if the event is tailored to an at-risk group, such as:
- Children/adolescents,
- Seniors (65+)
- Pregnant Women,
- And Those With Underlying Health Issues.
Examples of negligence on behalf of event organizers include:
- Failing to provide proper shade,
- Failing to provide adequate water,
- Failing to warn attendees of the risk of heatstroke,
- Failing to properly and quickly respond to a heatstroke injury.
In order to sue for a heatstroke injury, you need to work with a personal injury attorney to prove that:
- The organizer owed you a duty care,
- They breached that duty,
- That breach of duty caused you to suffer heatstroke,
- You were injured as a result.
Types of Damages You Can Claim for a Heatstroke Injury
If the event organizer was found to have negligently caused your heatstroke injury, you may be eligible to claim compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Disability,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Missed Work,
- Loss of Earning Capacity,
- And Wrongful Death.
Heat-related illnesses are entirely preventable. If you suffered a heatstroke injury while attending an outdoor event, you need to talk to an attorney about your potential legal options.
Did You or a Family Member Suffer Heatstroke at an Outdoor Event in Texas? Call Carabin Shaw.
Texans are facing extreme temperatures this summer. If you or your loved one suffered a heatstroke injury at an outdoor event in Texas, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Carabin Shaw will help you find out if your case qualifies for free.
Call Carabin Shaw personal injury attorneys at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation today. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. Carabin Shaw is a trusted name in Texas because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.