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State Fair

A roof structure covering the stage collapsed after strong winds tore through the area, injuring numerous people and killing sevenResponsibility for the collapse was shared amongst several, from the company providing the rigging to those performing and promoting the concert event. 

The Kenneth J. Allen Law Firm represented several victims and family members of people killed in the tragic Indiana State Fair stage collapse that occurred in 2011. A $49.65 million settlement was reached in connection with the tragedy, which led to the creation of stringent safety practices designed to prevent this type of occurrence in the future. This is another example of how our firm can help people who need a personal injury lawyer in Indiana fight for their rights.

Where did the incident take place?

On Aug. 13, 2011, a supertruss roof structure covering the stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair after strong winds tore through the area. Scores of people were injured and seven died. No one was performing at the time, but the popular country music band Sugarland was about to take the stage.

Although state fair officials knew dangerous weather was approaching, they failed to act quickly enough to evacuate the crowd. Witnesses said that a wall of wind, rain, dust and dirt hit the fairgrounds shortly before the collapse occurred.

Who was involved in the accident?

There were several parties who played a role in the Indiana State Fair stage collapse. For instance, the people who were responsible for setting up the roof structure failed to do so in a way that the structure would be able to withstand strong winds. Promoters of the event, as well as state fair officials, knew the storm was arriving — and yet they failed to delay the show until it passed.

What was the cause of the accident?

While the strong winds caused the stage to topple, there were many other factors that contributed to the tragedy. Mid-America Sound Corp., the company that provided the rigging for the stage, traded blame with the state of Indiana for the injuries and fatalities that occurred. However, there were several issues with how the structure was built. These included trusses and barriers that were not strong enough to handle the wind gusts.

What did Kenneth J. Allen Law Group do to prepare for this case?

Many family members of accident victims looking for a wrongful death lawyer in Indiana turned to the Kenneth J. Allen Law Firm, as did survivors looking for an effective personal injury lawyer in Indiana. We immediately went to work on their behalf.

The first priority was to preserve as much evidence as possible, so we sought temporary restraining orders to ensure the scene of the collapse and structured components would not be disturbed. We sent expert engineers to survey the scene and perform a thorough inspection, and then researched all the culpable parties to bring them into the subsequent lawsuit. Our team conducted hundreds of depositions, not only throughout the U.S. but also in Canada and England.

The Indiana State Fair stage collapse is the latest example of how an effective personal injury lawyer in Indiana can help deliver justice and hold accountable those whose negligence results in extreme suffering.

Click here to read the Indianapolis Star story on the case

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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed due to the wrongful acts of another, then you may have a legal claim for damages as well as the right to justice against the wrongdoer and you are welcomed to contact the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Group to schedule a free initial legal consultation.

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