The first injuries of Ultra Music Festival happened before the event even started when a large LED screen collapsed as it was being set up for the event in downtown Miami. Victims were taken to a nearby trauma center when fire rescue workers responded to Bayfront Park, and it wasn't clear how badly the workers were hurt.
The Ultra Music Festival in Miami is an annual event that runs over two weekends and boasts big-time performers such as David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, Deadmau5, and more. Because of the explosion in popularity, this festival has grown from a one-day festival, to a two-day event, then a three-day event, one weekend event, and now a two-weekend festival. In 2012, the pre-sale tickets for Ultra Music Festival sold out in 20 minutes, and the rest of the tickets sold out as well.
Event organizers have requested additional road closures for this year's event, and there has been controversy over the decision to extend the festival to the second weekend. The Miami Commissioner believes that dragging out the event will be disruptive to the local business community and area residents because of the noise, nuisance behavior, and gridlock traffic that is typically associated with this festival. The city council voted in favor of continuing with the second weekend regardless, although the City of Miami did force festival organizers to pay $500,000 for police and fire services.
These services are necessary to keep festival-goers safe amidst the masses. With more than 165,000 attendees in 2012, it is yet to be seen how many people will show up for this year's festival. Many visitors stay at hotels in downtown Miami or Brickell Neighborhoods, and driving in or around the festival area can be very problematic. There is expected to be traffic and congestion, and parking at the festival is scarce and very expensive.
Here at Mesa Law Firm, it is our priority to help you avoid suffering accidents and injuries, which can lead to physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Festivals can be incredible experiences, and there are certain things you can to do avoid some of the hazards that are present at these festivals. First, keep in mind that event staff are there to help you. Staff members such as security, medical staff and volunteers aren't there at the festival to judge you or bust you, but they are there to help you when you need it. Most festivals have a medical tent with EMS staff and radios for ambulance service, and you should go to one of these tents immediately if you are injured.
Many of the serious injuries at festivals happen when you are split up from your group and your friends are not there to talk sense into what you should and should not do. There are also a lot of drugs at music festivals, and it is important to be educated about these drugs and what they do to you. You should also listen to you body and make sure that you are properly hydrated and fueled throughout each day, especially if the weather is hot.
If you do suffer injury or harm, you should try to find a medical professional as soon as possible for a checkup and to determine if you need further medical care. Our Miami injury lawyers know how to protect your rights and help you seek justice if you are injured by the negligence of another person. We have been helping injury victims in and around Miami for more than a decade and we offer you a free consultation to discuss your injuries and what can be done. Call Mesa Law Firm today!