What To Know about Crowd Crush and Stampede Injuries

Definition of a Stampede

Commonly expressed in situations involving animals, a stampede is also used when crowds of people moving in the same direction collide and pile up against or on top of each other. They may be moving in response to perceived danger or searching for space.

Human stampedes can be fatal. Many cases of deaths from human stampedes have been reported over the years from different parts of the world. 

Common Causes of a Human Stampede

While some people believe human stampedes occur due to irrational behaviors linked to fear and self-destructive behaviors, people in charge of events make many mistakes that lead to stampede-related injuries and deaths.

These include: 

• Poor event planning
• Poor crowd control
• Narrow spaces
• Overcapacity

For example, selling 65,000 tickets for an event to be held at a stadium with a 60,000 capacity can be dangerous. Lacking clear exits in an event space is also risky, and so forth.

How Human Stampedes Begin

Typically, something has to occur to trigger a response in a large crowd. This can be a perception of fear, for example, when someone shouts, causing others to believe something is wrong or an actual element, such as a fire or heavy rain. 

When people are triggered and begin to run or walk in the same direction, those at the back usually move at a higher speed because they can’t see ahead. If those in the front don’t match the speed of those pushing from behind, people may fall over each other. 

How Does a Human Stampede Cause Death?

Different factors related to a human stampede can result in death. Firstly, when people fall over each other, they may get trampled by the crowd coming from behind. Being heavily stepped over continuously can lead to serious injuries and, worse, death.

Another factor that causes death in such situations is running out of oxygen. When people are too close to each other, pushing against each other’s chests, their diaphragms will be limited from contracting and relaxing. This means air cannot leave or enter their lungs, making it hard for them to breathe. Eventually, this may cause death.

How To Stay Safe When Stuck in a Crowd Crush

If you are stuck in a crowd crush, it’s critical to know the safety steps to employ. To survive the setting:

• Fold your arms and put them on your chest like a boxer. This prevents your hands from being twisted or pulled by another person’s hands. Ensure you leave enough space around your face to breathe.
• Lift your arms even higher if the crowd increases its speed when moving toward you.
• Calmly follow the crowd. Do not stand still.
• Use hand gestures if you need immediate attention. Shouting will use up oxygen.

How a Crowd Crush Is Different From a Stampede

What is a crowd crush? And how different is it from a stampede? Although used interchangeably by some people, a crowd crush differs from a stampede. As mentioned before, in a stampede, people have space to run or walk in the same direction. 

However, in a crowd crush, people have little or no room to move around. When there are two people per square meter at an event, they can move freely without being in danger. The risk of injury increases when the number of people per square meter increases. 

A significant percentage of injuries and deaths in crowd crush incidents are traced back to the lack of oxygen, which causes people to begin falling due to suffocation. 

Unlike stampedes, a panic trigger doesn’t have to be involved in crowd crushes. Being tightly packed together is the primary risk.

How To Avoid Being Trampled in a Crush Crowd Incident

When you arrive at an event, always familiarize yourself with exits and exit routes. You should also know the locations of first aid centers.

Then, sit or stand in a less congested space. If the area becomes congested during the event, move as soon as you feel uncomfortable. Once you believe the crowd management is poor, move to the nearest exit and leave the venue immediately you can. 

If you find yourself in a moving crowd when heading to the exit, keep the same speed as others and don’t stand still. Hold on to the railings if you need to use the stairs or escalator. 

Lastly, pay attention to your pathways to avoid tripping on bottles or cans or bumping into children or people shorter than you.

Examples of Common Injuries in Crowded Places

The risks of being in a crowded place, such as being pushed, arms twisting with those of others, being stepped on, and having difficulty breathing, can result in injuries. This can be:

• Broken bones
• Internal organ injuries
• Bruises 
• Cuts
• Burns
• Head and neck injuries
• Compression asphyxia, etc.

How Can Danger Be Eliminated in Overcrowded Places?

Even though some people usually paint victims to be responsible for their injuries, most causes of crowd crush incidents can be traced to the negligence of those in authority. 

Event planners should take practical steps to guarantee safety. Examples of such measures are:

Managing Access Points

Event venues should have adequate and noticeable entry and exit points that are managed effectively. For example, a retail store without an entry plan during Black Friday may report injuries if everyone rushes in at once. Exit paths should always be clear.

Implementing Fire Safety Measures

Event organizers should have adequate fire exits and extinguishers and ensure easy access to them. They should also ensure combustible materials/objects are separated. It can also be beneficial to have enough trained fire marshals present.

Being Prepared for Medical Emergencies

Healthcare providers and medical supplies should be available at events. Handling medical emergencies sooner can prevent serious injuries or even death. Event organizers should ensure attendees can access first aid stations without difficulties.

Being Ready To Respond to Emergencies

Waiting for off-site help can worsen issues, be it a medical or safety concern. The off-site team may be delayed by traffic or any other unavoidable factor. Event organizers should have a plan for responding to emergencies. Conducting drills and training sessions can be part of that plan.

How Insurance Companies Handle Cases Stemming From Mass Gatherings

Events are typically covered by insurance policies. Thus, if you are injured at an event, you will report the case to the respective insurer, who will then investigate to obtain more information.

The investigation should determine the party responsible for your injuries: the property owner, the event organizer, a fellow attendee, a third party (for example, a hired private security company), or the performer (if they encourage a dangerous activity). You can file a personal injury claim against the liable party to receive the compensation you deserve. 

Receiving Compensation for Crowd Injuries

When you file a lawsuit against the liable party, you can claim any damage you incur, such as:

• Medical expenses (medications, treatments, transportation to and from appointments, and so on)
• Costs associated with therapy/counseling
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages (the amount of income you lose by missing work due to the injury) and earning capacity (how the injury has affected your ability to earn in the future; perhaps you have to reduce your working hours/duties or change careers)
• Property damage (if you lost personal property or it got damaged during the commotion)

Note that you need to gather evidence to strengthen your claim. Thus, write down everything you recall as soon as you can. And if you can access another attendee, get their witness statement. 

In addition, keep a record of your medical expenses. You should also document non-economic damages by writing notes explaining your daily pain levels. Legal guidance can help you put a value on the complicated damages.

Nevada Personal Injury Lawyers for Stampede Injuries

Stampede and crowd control injuries can negatively impact your life for a long time. That’s why it’s crucial to be adequately informed to protect your rights and future. Our team of compassionate and experienced personal injury attorneys in Las Vegas will ensure you understand every aspect of your case, from liability to the needed evidence. Additionally, we will help you understand your options for receiving just compensation. 

Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, has been fighting for victims of personal injury for years, including those with claims involving injuries sustained in mass gatherings.