Graduation marks a major milestone in the lives of students across Minnesota. It’s a time of celebration, achievement, and often elaborate ceremonies or parties. But while everyone is focused on caps, gowns, and diplomas, serious injuries can and do happen at graduation events. Whether it’s a slip on a stage, a fall from a crowded bleacher, or an alcohol-related incident at an after-party, the consequences can be life-changing.
At Nelson Personal Injury, we help injury victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you or your child was hurt during a graduation ceremony or related celebration, our Minneapolis personal injury lawyers are here to help you determine who may be responsible.
Graduation Injuries: How and Why They Happen
Graduation events can occur at schools, rented venues, private homes, or public parks. Each setting carries its risks and responsibilities. Large crowds, temporary equipment, celebratory behavior, and sometimes alcohol all create a heightened risk for injuries. Some of the most common types of incidents we see around graduation include:
- Falls from temporary stages or bleachers
- Slip and falls on poorly maintained walkways
- Injuries due to overcrowding
- Alcohol-related accidents, including car crashes or alcohol poisoning
- Burns or lacerations from fireworks
- Assaults due to negligent security at large after-parties
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries for people of all ages, including young adults. During large events, the risk increases when temporary structures or unfamiliar environments are involved.
Who Could Be Held Responsible?
The question of liability—who is legally responsible—is not always straightforward. Different parties may bear legal responsibility depending on how the injury occurred and where.
Schools and School Districts
If the graduation ceremony is school-sponsored and occurs on school property, the school district may be liable for injuries caused by negligence.
For example, the school and any third-party contractor involved may share liability if a temporary stage collapses due to poor setup or faulty materials. Even organizers have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises and take precautions for student and guest safety.
Property Owners
If the event is held at a rented hall, park, or private property, the owner or property manager may be responsible under Minnesota’s premises liability laws. Property owners must keep their premises safe for invitees and warn them of any known dangers.
They may be held accountable if they fail to address hazards like wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven walking surfaces.
Event Organizers and Vendors
Graduation parties often involve caterers, equipment rental companies, or professional event planners. These vendors have specific responsibilities. If a rental company provides defective chairs or a caterer ignores fire safety protocols, they may be found negligent. Our injury attorneys in Minneapolis often investigate these third parties to determine their role in an injury.
Adults Hosting After-Parties
Under Minnesota’s “social host liability” laws (Minn. Stat. § 340A.90), adults can be held responsible if they knowingly provide alcohol to minors. If a minor is injured—or injures someone else—after being served alcohol at a party, the host may face civil liability.
This law is especially relevant during graduation season, when well-meaning adults may turn a blind eye to underage drinking.
Other Individuals Involved
In some cases, the injury may result from the actions of another attendee, such as a student pushing someone off a platform or a guest starting a fight. If that person acted recklessly or intentionally caused harm, they could be held personally liable.
What Needs to Be Proven in a Personal Injury Case?
As a Minneapolis, MN, personal injury law firm, we help clients understand that proving liability often requires four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty to act reasonably under the circumstances.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet that duty through action or inaction.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach directly caused the injury.
- Damages: The injury resulted in actual harm—physical, emotional, or financial.
In every case we handle, we collect evidence, interview witnesses, review surveillance footage (if available), and consult with experts to establish the facts.
Real-World Example: Graduation Party Injury
Let’s say a high school senior attends a private graduation party hosted by a classmate’s parents. During the party, alcohol is available, and minors are drinking freely. One student, intoxicated, falls into a fire pit and suffers third-degree burns. In this case:
- The property owner could be liable under premises liability.
- The parents who hosted the party could be liable under Minnesota’s social host law.
- If the fire pit was defectively built or installed, the contractor or manufacturer could also be partially at fault.
This is just one scenario that demonstrates how complicated liability can be and why legal guidance is essential.
Minnesota Premises Liability Basics
In Minnesota, premises liability is governed by case law and basic tort principles. A property owner owes different levels of care depending on the person’s status on the property. Invitees, such as graduation guests, are owed the highest duty. The property owner must inspect the premises, fix hazards, and warn of hidden dangers.
According to the Minnesota Supreme Court in Peterson v. Balach, 294 Minn. 161 (1972), the court abolished the rigid classifications of invitee, licensee, and trespasser, replacing them with a general rule of reasonable care under the circumstances. However, courts still consider the visitor’s status when evaluating liability.
Alcohol and Graduation Events: A Dangerous Mix
Underage drinking is a perennial concern at graduation parties. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports that underage drinking plays a role in a significant percentage of car crashes involving teens. Adults who enable or ignore underage drinking may face both civil and criminal penalties.
If an underage graduate leaves a party intoxicated and causes a crash, victims of the crash may be able to file claims against the social host. The law is clear: serving alcohol to minors is not only illegal but also opens the door to lawsuits if injuries or fatalities occur.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
If you’ve been injured at a graduation event due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room visits and ongoing medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Future medical expenses
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
We help calculate both economic and non-economic damages and pursue full recovery on your behalf.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis?
When injuries occur at graduation events, you may face resistance from schools, property owners, or insurance companies trying to avoid blame. That’s why it’s critical to work with a skilled Minneapolis personal injury lawyer who can build a strong case and demand fair compensation.
We’ve spent years representing Minnesota families in complex injury claims at Nelson Personal Injury. We understand the laws, the tactics insurers use, and how to fight back for our clients. When you hire us, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a partner fully invested in your recovery.
Statute of Limitations in Minnesota
Don’t wait to speak with an attorney. In Minnesota, for cases based on negligence, you typically have six years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation forever.
Additional notice requirements apply if the injury occurred on government property, such as a public school. You must serve written notice of the claim within 180 days under Minn. Stat. § 466.05. These cases are more complex and require fast action.
How We Can Help
Our Minneapolis personal injury law firm will:
- Provide a free consultation to review your case
- Investigate all parties who may be liable
- Collect medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions
- Handle communications with insurers
- File a lawsuit if needed and represent you in court
You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation Event Injuries
What should I do immediately after being injured at a graduation event?
First, seek medical attention, even if your injury seems minor. Some conditions, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Second, report the incident to the event organizers or venue staff. Ask for a written incident report, if possible. Take photos of the scene and your injuries, and collect names and contact information of any witnesses.
Can I file a claim if my child was injured at a graduation event?
Yes. If your child is a minor and was injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim on their behalf. Damages can include medical bills, pain and suffering, and future medical care related to the injury. As parents or guardians, you play a central role in navigating the legal process for your child.
What if I signed a waiver to attend the event?
Waivers are common for specific events, especially private or school-related functions. However, a waiver does not always prevent you from filing a lawsuit, especially if the injury was caused by gross negligence or reckless conduct. We can review any signed waiver and advise you on your legal rights.
Can more than one party be held responsible?
Yes. In Minnesota, multiple parties can share liability under a principle known as “comparative fault.” For example, both a venue owner and an event planner could be held partially responsible. Each party’s percentage of fault will impact how damages are awarded.
How long does it take to settle a case like this?
It depends on the case’s complexity and whether it goes to trial. Many cases settle within 6–12 months, but more complex claims can take longer.
Graduation Shouldn’t End in Injury—But If It Does, We’re Here
Graduation should be a time of joy, not trauma. Unfortunately, poor planning, unsafe premises, or careless behavior can turn a celebration into a tragedy. If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury during a graduation event, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone.
At Nelson Personal Injury, we’re committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping families across Minnesota find closure and compensation. Contact us today to speak with an experienced injury attorney in Minneapolis and take the first step toward justice.
Contact Nelson Personal Injury
Call us now or visit our office for a free consultation. Our PI lawyers in Minneapolis will listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. There are no fees unless we win your case.
