What Happens If I’m Injured at the Minnetrista Outdoor Farmers Market?

December 14, 2023

One of the best things about spring and summer in Muncie is the Minnetrista outdoor farmers market. Every Saturday morning, community members enjoy the outdoors and local produce to take to their tables at home. Even though the farmers market is fun and nice to enjoy, there could be an instance where you get hurt and need medical attention. If that’s the case, it’s important to know more about who’s liable at an open market.

Types of Injuries that Can Happen at the Market

Two of the greatest risks at a farmers market are personal injuries and property damage. These risks are probable to occur at some point in the history of the market and can pile on some serious expenses. Most markets are aware of liability and can take several steps to prevent common ways injury and damage can occur.

Slip and Fall

Slipping and falling is one of the highest risks because it can happen anywhere, to almost anyone, and over anything. At a farmers market, potential sources for slip and fall accidents are:

• Wet grass
• Spilled liquids
• Electrical cords
• Tent stakes, lines, or weights
• Potholes or cracks in sidewalks, pavement, or concrete

There are numerous ways that the procedures for a farmers market can be written to require vendors to take additional precautions:

• Reduce ground obstructions.
• Maintain clear walkways for customers to get around booths.
• Make sure booths are clean.
• Encourage vendors to report other observed hazards.

Tents and Canopies

The Minnetrista farmers market allows vendor to create booths out of trailers and tent spaces. Tents can serve more than one purpose at markets — selling, advertising, serving food, and resting. Even though tents are put to good use by both vendors and community patrons, tents can be hazardous. They can be a tripping hazard, disrupt walkways, and blow away depending how vicious the wind is that morning. Precautions the market can require with respect to tents would be:

• Use specific weights.
• Have a certain position or layout for stakes and lines.
• Put in place possible reprimands for not complying with the requirements.

There are other simple steps that can be taken to make sure the market is running in the best way. Have an official market supervisor take a final walk through the tents and spaces of vendors to see it they are complying with market regulations. Also, continual reminders about market procedures would make sure the rules are fresh in the vendors’ heads.

It’s also important to make sure that all vendors carry insurance that can either be purchased on their own or be part of the market’s insurance. When a market takes place, the market organization themselves assume liability for the grounds. Make sure that vendors are either covered under the market’s policy or have their own in case of an accident.

Hire a Muncie Personal Injury Attorney

Personal injury cases can be hard to sort through without having someone in your corner who knows how to collect evidence, talk to eyewitnesses, and build a strong case for you. The farmers market is a place to enjoy and support the community; however, you need a team that will support you in case of injury. Call the attorneys at Hensley Legal Group or contact us online today for your free consultation.