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Monthly Archives: August 2011
State Fair Stage Collapse Raises Questions About Temporary Structures
The tragedy at the Indiana State Fair has brought attention to a grievous over-site in the law. When it comes to inspecting temporary structures–like the stage that collapsed at the fair, killing seven–the current laws are confusing and inadequate. The state fair stage was not inspected due to two loopholes: it was considered scaffolding, not a stage, and it was on state property. There are no federal laws that cover the safety of these temporary stages that pop up across the country every summer, and state and local laws create a confusing patchwork full of exceptions and loop holes. If the structure on the fairgrounds had been located on city property instead of state land, the structure would have been inspected. If it had been classified as an actual stage instead of as a scaffolding, it would have been inspected. But due to arcane rules, no one made sure the…
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Posted in Wrongful Death
Tagged indiana state fair, temporary stages, temporary structures, Wrongful Death
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State Fair Stage Collapse: Why No Evacuation?
In this blog, we’ve previously talked at length about the condition of the temporary stage that dramatically collapsed, leaving at least seven dead and 45 injured. But as the days roll on since that awful night, more and more information is emerging about the decisions made by Indiana State Fair and Indiana State Police employees in their decision not to evacuate the Sugarland concert until it was much too late. Let’s talk about the timeline: 8:00: The fair was notified by the National Weather Service that severe thunderstorms were on their way to the fairgrounds, due to arrive at approximately 9:15. Despite the fact that the main act of the evening, Sugarland, was supposed to go on stage at 9:00, no announcement or change of plans was made. 8:19: Just 13 miles away from the fairgrounds, Conner Prairie cancelled its Symphony on the Prairie concert and evacuated the crowd of…
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Indiana State Fair Victims Have Only 180 Days to File Suit
It’s been almost one week since the tragic stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair. In the dust of the disaster, five lay dead and 45 are recovering from injuries, some of which will result in permanent disabilities. Recovery is sure to be long and difficult. In cases like these, victims and their families sometimes wait six months or a year to file a claim, hoping their conditions will improve or insurance will cover all their bills. In the fair tragedy, waiting could have disastrous consequences. According to Indiana law, before a lawsuit can be filed against the State of Indiana or the agency responsible for the Indiana State Fair, a written notice must be submitted to the proper parties within 180 days of the occurrence. That’s just nine months-and if the proper notice is not given, the agencies responsible for the operation of the State Fair cannot be sued…
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