Thomas Rowe, Luc Cohen

(Reuters) – Eight people were killed and many more injured during a crowd surge that occurred at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival on Friday. More than a dozen lawsuits are being filed.

Although details about the concert stampede that killed dozens are still being uncovered, this explanation explains who might be held responsible.

WHAT CLAIM THE LAWSUITS?

According to court records, at least 14 civil suits have been brought against Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE.) Inc and a subsidiary, Live Nation Worldwide Inc. According to court records there were 10 named Scott – Jacques Webster is his real name – and one name Drake as a defendant.

Plaintiffs allege that Live Nation failed to implement safety protocols and provided adequate security. They also claimed Live Nation did not maintain appropriate crowd control. Some of the victims fell to their deaths in an uncontrolled surge at the stage. Others were left unable or unable breathe.

According to Wasem Abulawi’s lawsuit, “Conditions were made and agreed to by festival organizers that caused many stampedes as well as a crowd compression which resulted in tragic deaths of eight people and serious injuries to hundreds more,” the suit states.

Kristian Paredes of Austin, Texas claimed Scott and Drake were defendants. He said Scott “incited chaos or mayhem at previous events” and that Drake knew about Scott’s past conduct.

Scott has pleaded guilty before to disorderly behavior charges in relation to two separate instances of encouraging people to rush onto the stage. One was during a Chicago 2015 music festival, and another at an Arkansas 2017 concert, according to local media reports.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL STANDARD?

C.J. said that the most likely to be held liable would be concert promoters or organizers, who set the security level. Baker is a Texas attorney who handles injury cases.

Baker said that in order to win on a negligence claim, plaintiffs have to show that defendants were aware or should have known of possible actions that could have prevented a tragedy from happening.

Scott’s past behavior at concerts might help plaintiffs make a case against Scott,” said Richard Mithoff (a Houston personal injury attorney).

Mithoff stated, “You must realize at some point that this is the type of tragedy that will ensue if you continue pushing it.”

Mithoff stated that Scott’s records could be used by plaintiffs to establish “gross negligence,” which is almost complete disregard for the safety of others.

What will the most likely defenses be?

Scott posted a video to social media saying that he couldn’t imagine the seriousness of the situation.

He paused his performance https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/travis-scotts-astroworld-concert-pauses-then-restarts-amid-deaths-injuries-2021-11-06 once it was clear people needed medical attention and encouraged the audience to make room for an ambulance that was winding through the crowd, but later finished his set.

Scott and Live Nation both would probably argue that Scott’s surge was unanticipated, Mithoff claimed.

“Anytime someone can show that they did everything that a responsible operator would do, and nevertheless there was a tragedy, obviously that’s going to cut in their favor,” Baker said.

Live Nation stated in a statement that the incident had “heartbroken” it.

CRIMINAL CHARGES CAN BE FILED

Houston police opened a criminal probe into the incident and stated that they would examine whether security protocols were not properly followed or if there was a problem with them. Reports that an individual in the crowd had injected a security officer with drugs are being investigated by police.

Baker stated that Scott and the organizers could be charged with criminal offenses depending on whether they intervened to end the concert when people were being injured or killed.

Texas penal code outlines that reckless behaviour that leads to someone’s death can be considered manslaughter.

Scott stated that he had given his full support to the Houston police. Live Nation released a Monday statement saying that it met with officials and gave all the video footage. It also stated it offered refunds and would help to pay medical bills for those who were injured.