Woman Injured After Being Kicked in the Head During a Christmas Play
- Dec 17, 2025
- 3 min read
A woman was injured and taken to the hospital after being kicked in the head by a camel during a Christmas performance at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
The camel was part of a live nativity scene. At the time of writing, no public updates have been released regarding the extent of her injuries, and community members have expressed concern and support.
Incidents like this are rare, but they raise important safety and liability questions when live animals are used in public performances, especially in crowded or indoor environments.
Live Animals and Public Events: What Can Go Wrong
Live nativity scenes and holiday productions are designed to be immersive, but animals remain unpredictable even when trained and supervised. Loud music, applause, lighting changes, and close proximity to people can startle an animal without warning.
When a large animal reacts suddenly, the risk of serious injury increases. A kick or fall involving an animal such as a camel can lead to head trauma, facial injuries, or neck and spinal injuries. These risks are heightened when performances take place indoors or near seated audiences.
Why Head Injuries Are Especially Concerning
Head injuries are dangerous because symptoms may not appear immediately.
Someone may feel fine at first, only to develop symptoms hours or days later.
Common signs of a head or brain injury include:
Headaches or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance issues
Confusion or memory problems
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or noise
Vision changes or extreme fatigue
Early evaluation matters. If you want to understand warning signs in more detail, this guide on early signs of brain injury after an accident may be helpful.
What to Do If You’re Injured at a Public Event
If you are injured at a public event, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your rights.
What to do immediately after an injury at a public event:
Seek medical attention right away, especially for head injuries
Report the incident to event staff or organizers
Take photos of the scene, equipment, and surroundings if possible
Get names and contact information of witnesses
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without guidance
Write down symptoms as they appear in the days following the injury
Who May Be Legally Responsible After an Injury at a Public Event?
Liability after a public-event injury depends on the specific facts. Responsibility may involve:
The organization hosting the event
The property owner or venue
The animal handler or animal provider
Event planners or contractors
Insurance carriers
Determining responsibility often requires reviewing safety procedures, supervision, contracts, and whether reasonable precautions were taken to protect attendees and participants.
If you’re unsure when legal guidance is appropriate, Mory & Colliersmith’s experienced attorneys can help you understand the legal side of your injuries and let you know if you need an accident lawyer for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a church or nonprofit be held responsible for an injury?
Yes, depending on the circumstances. Nonprofit status does not automatically eliminate legal responsibility. Liability depends on safety practices, insurance coverage, and how the event was managed.
Are head injuries always serious?
Not all head injuries lead to long-term damage, but all should be taken seriously. Symptoms can evolve over time, which is why medical evaluation is important.
What if the injured person was part of the performance or volunteering?
Volunteers and performers may still have legal protections. Each situation depends on how the event was organized and supervised.
Preventing Similar Incidents in the Future
Public events that involve live animals require careful planning. Safety measures may include:
Physical barriers between animals and people
Controlled spacing and movement paths
Experienced handlers present at all times
Clear emergency and medical response plans
Thoughtful safety planning helps protect both participants and attendees.
Why This Matters
At the center of this incident is a real person who was injured during what should have been a joyful moment. Injuries like these can impact health, work, and family life long after the event ends.
Understanding how these incidents happen and how they can be prevented helps communities create safer events in the future.
