An Ohio man is suing concert promoter Live Nation after he claims to have suffered a “life-altering traumatic injury” when he was hit in the head with a full beer can during a Jason Aldean concert near Pittsburgh last summer.
The incident allegedly occurred during the outdoor show on August 9 at The Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. According to a lawsuit obtained by CBS News, Mike Mollenkopf was attending the concert with his daughter when he was struck in the back of the head by a full, unopened beer can while Aldean was performing his second song.
Filed by the law firm Morgan & Morgan, the lawsuit claims Mollenkopf was knocked unconscious and suffered a severe concussion. Court documents state that the head injury led to short-term memory loss, cognitive issues, a stutter, and other ongoing post-concussion symptoms that could be permanent.
The complaint accuses Live Nation – which operates the venue along with Crossroads Properties and Legends Hospitality – of negligence, recklessness, carelessness, and liability for Mollenkopf's injuries. The lawsuit alleges that the venue has a “well-documented pattern” of rowdy crowds and insufficient safety measures to protect attendees.
“What was supposed to be a memorable night out with his daughter ended with a life-altering traumatic injury,” said John Morgan, founder of Morgan & Morgan, and attorney Mark Malone in a statement. The lawsuit also references other incidents that night, including a widely circulated video showing a man attacking a woman in the venue’s car park.
Mollenkopf is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial. Speaking to WPXI-TV days after the incident, he expressed hope that someone captured the moment on video. Live Nation and the other companies named have been contacted for comment.
