Concerts are fun, but they also can be dangerous with the large and loud crowds, inebriated concert-goers and star-struck fans. One fan, Sandy Ricketts, was so star struck at a Justin Bieber concert in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that she tripped over a loose cable and was badly injured. So, naturally, she sued Justin Bieber.
Bieber’s lawyers argued that her claim was not “belieberable.” They asked the judge to throw out the suit and alleged that there were no electrical cables anywhere near where Ricketts had been standing at the show. They chalked up her injuries to her own clumsiness. In other words, they argued that Rickett’s injury was her own fault and happened through no negligence of their own, and thus the case should be dismissed.
Ricketts originally made a claim as a result of her injuries and with the desire to be duly compensated. She was badly injured in the fall, and suffered a broken shoulder, busted lip and a sprained wrist.
Although somewhat sensationalized (by TMZ) and comical to others, this case is a prime example of proving negligence. If the cords had been dangerously or haphazardly placed near Ricketts and other fans, such that they could easily have tripped on it, arguably Ricketts would have a case. She must prove that her injury is not through any fault of her own, but rather the fault of Bieber or his stage team. She will have to prove that her injuries were caused by tripping over the cord, and but for the cord being laid dangerously, she would not be injured. If she can’t prove that Bieber’s team was somehow negligent – that they deviated from a reasonable standard of care, she may lose her case.
Given the severity of her injuries and Bieber’s deep pockets, let’s hope that the judge “beliebs” her story. If you have any questions about your rights, speak to a personal injury lawyer. Get started by booking a free consultation or calling 1-855-446-7765 for immediate assistance.
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