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It’s safe to say that Las Vegas does things big – nearly 39 million people visited in 2022, and in 2021 the casino business was valued at a whopping $58 billion. Visiting a casino is on the top of the list of many Las Vegas tourists, and most do so safely. But accidents do happen, and for a casino patron who gets injured onsite, the casino owner may be liable for damages.
While most visitors enjoy their time without any mishaps, there are instances where unforeseen accidents, such as slip and fall accidents, can occur. It’s essential for visitors to know when to collect evidence in slip and fall accidents to ensure they have a strong case. Furthermore, understanding the role of negligence in a slip and fall case can be pivotal in determining the outcome of a lawsuit.
Understanding premises liability in Las Vegas casinos is the first step in understanding the rules of the game when it comes to slip and fall accidents. In legal terms, premises liability is about who’s responsible when someone gets hurt on a property. In the context of a casino, the property owners have a duty to make sure their venue is safe for guests. This means cleaning up spills quickly, fixing uneven flooring, and making sure areas are well-lit. If the casino doesn’t take these steps, and a guest slips and falls as a result, the casino may be held responsible under the doctrine of premises liability.
Casino surveillance footage can play a crucial role in slip and fall cases. Most casinos have numerous cameras monitoring almost every inch of their property. If a guest slips and falls, there’s a good chance it was captured on video. This footage can provide valuable evidence about what caused the accident and who might be responsible. But obtaining this footage can be a challenge. Casinos may not voluntarily provide it, and the video might be erased if too much time passes. It’s important, then, to act quickly after an accident to secure any potential surveillance footage that could support a slip and fall claim.
In a Las Vegas casino, staff members have a vital role to play in preventing slip and fall accidents. They are the eyes and ears on the ground, often being the first to spot potential hazards like spilled drinks or trip hazards. If they notice such hazards, it’s their job to take immediate action, whether that means cleaning up the spill, removing the obstacle, or alerting a supervisor. Additionally, staff members should report recurring issues that could lead to falls, like a staircase with poor lighting or a section of carpet that’s coming loose. If staff fail to do these things and someone gets hurt, the casino may be liable for the accident.
Alcohol can add another layer of complexity to slip and fall cases in casinos. Patrons often enjoy drinks while they gamble, and this can sometimes lead to accidents. But how does alcohol affect liability? If a guest becomes intoxicated and falls, they may be partially responsible for their own injuries. However, it doesn’t automatically absolve the casino of blame. If a hazard like a wet floor or poor lighting contributed to the fall, the casino may still be liable. It’s also worth noting that casinos have a responsibility not to over-serve patrons. If they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated guest who then falls, they could potentially bear some responsibility for the accident.
When a slip and fall accident happens in a casino, the first priority is to check for injuries. If there are any, medical attention should be sought immediately. If the person is well enough, they should try to document the scene of the accident. This could include taking photographs of the hazard that caused the fall, and writing down details about the incident. It’s also beneficial to identify any witnesses who saw the accident and get their contact information. Finally, the accident should be reported to the casino management, ideally in writing. These steps will help ensure the person is well-prepared to deal with the aftermath of the accident.
Proving negligence in a Las Vegas casino slip and fall case can be a tricky task. It’s not enough to show that an accident occurred; the victim must also prove the casino was at fault. This involves demonstrating that the casino knew, or should have known, about a hazardous condition but did not take adequate steps to remedy it. It could be a spilled drink that was left uncleaned, a loose carpet, or poorly lit areas. Then, it must be shown that this negligence directly led to the accident. Compiling convincing evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, or a record of similar past incidents, can help to overcome these challenges.
When a person is injured in a slip and fall accident at a Las Vegas casino, they might be entitled to compensation for their losses. These can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, it’s important to know that Nevada law puts certain limits on damages in personal injury cases. For example, non-economic damages like pain and suffering are capped at $350,000. Punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer, can be awarded, but they are limited to three times the amount of compensatory damages if those damages are more than $100,000. Understanding these caps and limits can help set realistic expectations for potential compensation.
Slip and fall accidents in casinos can result in a variety of injuries, some of which might have long-term effects. Common injuries include fractures, especially of the hip, wrist or ankle; head injuries, which can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries; and back and spinal cord injuries, which can lead to chronic pain or even paralysis. Soft tissue injuries, like sprains and strains, are also common. The long-term effects of these injuries can vary widely. Some people recover fully, while others might experience ongoing pain, reduced mobility, or cognitive issues. The severity and duration of these effects can significantly influence the amount of potential compensation in a personal injury case.
In Nevada, the clock starts ticking as soon as a slip and fall accident happens. This is due to a legal rule called the statute of limitations, which sets a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. For slip and fall accidents in Nevada, the statute of limitations is two years. This means if someone gets injured in a slip and fall accident at a casino, they have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If they don’t file within that time, they might lose their chance to seek compensation for their injuries, no matter how serious they are. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep this time frame in mind after a slip and fall accident.
If you are involved in a slip and fall accident, call 702-680-1111 or contact our experienced legal team today, and we will work to get the compensation you deserve.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
