How to File a Lawsuit Against a Casino in Nevada

Common Types of Accidents and Injuries in Casinos

Despite their lively appeal, casinos can pose various risks to patrons and employees, some of which can lead to personal injury claims. Here’s an overview of some common injuries that might prompt legal action:

• Slip and fall accidents: Caused by slippery floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting conditions that lead to falls.
• Physical altercations: Resulting from fights or scuffles between patrons, which are often exacerbated by alcohol consumption or high-stress environments.
• Repetitive stress injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or back pain that result from performing the same tasks repeatedly.
• Electrical shock injuries: Caused by faulty or poorly maintained electronic equipment that presents a shock risk.
• Foodborne illnesses: Health issues from consuming contaminated food in casino restaurants or buffets (e.g., food poisoning).
• Equipment-related injuries: Caused by malfunctioning or poorly maintained casino equipment, such as slot machines or gaming tables.
• Falling object injuries: Sustained from objects like chandeliers, signage, or decorations that fall and cause harm to patrons or employees.

Any of these injuries could provide the grounds for a successful personal injury lawsuit.

What to Do After Sustaining an Injury in a Casino

If you get hurt in a casino, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your rights and bolster your potential legal case:

• Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, visible hazards, and any other relevant details.
• Gather witness information: Collect the contact information of any witnesses who saw the incident occur.
• Seek medical attention: Get medical help right away, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt; some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Don’t admit fault: Avoid admitting fault at the scene, as doing so could jeopardize your claim.
• Consult a personal injury lawyer: An attorney can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you satisfy all legal requirements.

If negotiations with the casino's insurance company fail, your attorney can also escalate the matter into a formal lawsuit and represent you in court.

What Is the Duty of Care Owed by a Casino?

Under Chapter 651 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), casino owners have a legal obligation to ensure that their premises are kept in a reasonably safe condition for all patrons and employees. This entails addressing known issues and actively searching for potential hazards to prevent injuries on their properties.

This duty of care applies to every area within the casino, including high-traffic spaces like parking lots, restrooms, and walkways. Gaming venues must take proactive measures to prevent foreseeable injuries, which could arise from hazards such as torn carpeting, uneven steps, or worn-out furniture.

Nevada courts tend to interpret foreseeability broadly, meaning property owners must address even minor issues that could potentially cause harm. Even if an injured party is partially responsible for their own accident, Nevada’s comparative negligence laws still allow them to recover damages, provided they weren’t more than 50% at fault.

Who Can You Sue If You Get Injured in a Las Vegas Casino?

Following an accident in a Las Vegas casino, you may be able to hold any of several parties accountable for your injuries.

They include:

• The casino itself, including its staff and management, who are responsible for maintaining a safe environment.
• The property owners and the parent company that operates the casino, especially if there were broader safety issues or negligence at a corporate level.
• The hotel where the casino is located, particularly if your injury occurred in a shared space or as part of a hotel-related activity.
• A third-party company that provides security for the casino if they failed in their duty to protect patrons.
• The manufacturer or supplier of defective equipment or furniture that contributed to your injury.
• Another patron whose actions led to your injury, such as in a physical altercation or accident stemming from negligence.

With so many potential parties involved, it’s important to consult a qualified legal professional. The skilled attorneys at Cameron Law can assess your situation and determine who may be liable for your injuries.

How Do You Prove a Casino’s Negligence?

To substantiate a negligence claim against a Nevada casino, you must demonstrate the following four key elements:

Duty of Care

First, you must prove that the casino owed you a duty of care (in this case, maintaining a safe environment for guests). Under Nevada personal injury law, casino patrons are classified as “invitees,” which obligates casino owners to ensure a high standard of care and proactively address potential hazards.

Breach of Duty

Next, you must show that the casino’s owners or management breached their duty of care, perhaps by failing to fix a known hazard or neglecting necessary safety measures.

Causation

You and your attorney must demonstrate that the casino’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries. Doing so will require you to present compelling evidence of the casino’s negligence.

Harm or Loss

Finally, you must provide evidence that you suffered actual harm or loss, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the injury.

Seeking Fair Compensation for Your Casino Injury

Following an accident in a casino, you may be entitled to seek compensation for various types of harm or losses.

This compensation will likely include economic damages, which are designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses directly related to your injury. Additionally, you may be eligible to recover non-economic damages, which reflect more subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

While economic damages are relatively straightforward to calculate, non-economic damages require careful evaluation to ensure that they fully reflect the impact of your injury.

It’s important to note that compensation for casino injuries can vary widely, potentially ranging from $3,000 to $75,000 or more, depending on the specifics of your case and the severity of your injuries. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can assess the full extent of your losses and work to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.

How to File a Lawsuit Against a Casino

Filing a lawsuit against a casino generally involves the following key steps:

Seek Medical Attention

First and foremost, you’ll need to visit a nearby hospital or clinic to have your injuries addressed by a qualified physician. Make sure to keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses.

Gather Evidence

Collect evidence related to the incident, including photos of the accident scene, witness contact information, and any official accident reports or medical records.

Consult an Attorney

Meet with an attorney who has experience handling casino accident claims. They’ll evaluate your case, guide you through the legal nuances, and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time.

Determine Liability

Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of the accident to establish whether the casino is liable for your injuries. This is typically done by showing that the casino failed to maintain a safe environment.

File a Complaint

Once they’ve established liability, your attorney will file a formal complaint with the appropriate court outlining how the casino's negligence caused your injuries and seeking fair and adequate compensation.

Engage in Settlement Negotiations

Your attorney will attempt to negotiate a just settlement with the casino’s insurance company and legal team to resolve the case without going to trial. Unfortunately, some insurers play hardball in an effort to avoid paying out claims.

Proceed to Trial (If Necessary)

If your lawyer can’t get you a fair settlement, they may take your case to trial. There, they’ll present evidence and argue your position before a judge or jury.

Enforce the Judgment

If the court rules in your favor, your attorney will take steps to enforce the judgment and help you collect the compensation you’ve been awarded.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit Against a Casino?

Nevada has a specific time limit for filing a personal injury claim known as a statute of limitations. According to NRS 11.190, you have two years from the date of the incident or the discovery of your injury to file a claim.

If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation. As such, it’s imperative that you begin working with an attorney promptly to ensure that your lawsuit is filed within the legal deadline.

Speak to a Las Vegas Casino Injury Attorney Today

From recognizing the types of injuries that may occur in a casino to understanding Nevada's liability laws and filing procedures, being well-informed is key to obtaining fair compensation in a personal injury suit.

If you've been hurt in a gaming establishment, the three most critical steps you can take are seeking immediate medical attention, gathering compelling evidence, and sitting down with a seasoned casino injury lawyer.

With the right representation, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to heal and move on from your injuries.

Ready to take the first step? Contact Cameron Law today to set up a no-cost consultation and fight for the justice you deserve.