Falls Festival crowd crush victims to share in almost $7 million payout

Fans at the 2016 Falls Festival in Lorne who were injured in a crowd crush will share in a multi-million dollar damages payout.

The Victorian Supreme Court has awarded damages of almost $7 million to 77 patons who launched a class action against the festival owners Ash Sounds Pty Ltd.

Ash Sounds admitted breach of duty and took responsibility for the victims’ injury, loss and damage in December 2019.

Following the judgement, Falls Festival said in a statement “we hope that the settlement will bring some relief and closure for all of the participants

“We also want to assure the participants and all those who attend our events, that health and safety is our number one priority.

“We care deeply about the welfare of our patrons, and are continually improving and adapting our safety protocols on an ongoing basis.”

According to Kathryn Emeny of Maddens Lawyers’ who launched class action, a third of these who suffered serious injuries will get “hundreds of thousands of dollars”.

Emeny added “the compensation payments will enable group members to look to, and plan for, the future.

“In respect of some of the larger claims, we anticipate the compensation payment will be life changing.

“These were young people in their late teens or early 20s… this horrific event really derailed their lives.

“Each group member is continuing to deal with that.”