Common casino accident injuries include those caused by slip and fall accidents, equipment injuries, food poisoning, criminal activity, and motor vehicle accidents. Many of these accidents are related to negligent business practices on the part of the casino.
If you have injuries caused by the negligence of a casino or casino owner, you can talk to a Lafayette premises liability lawyer about filing an injury claim. Through a claim, you can recover financial compensation for your injury-related losses.
Types of Accidents at Casinos
Casinos are a popular destination for recreation and excitement, but there are several injury risks that can affect visitors. Some accidents are the result of bad luck and are no one’s fault, but others may be the direct result of negligence from the casino management or owners.
Slip and Falls
One of the most common casino accident injuries is falling. There are several hazards in casinos that can cause patrons to slip and sustain falling injuries.
Wet flooring from spilled drinks, uneven carpeting, poorly maintained flooring, and insufficient lighting are all property hazards that can cause guests to lose their balance.
Injuries from slip and fall accidents can include:
- Joint sprains and muscle strains
- Broken bones
- Concussions and head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bruising and soft-tissue injuries
- Hip and leg injuries
These falls can happen in virtually any room of a casino, like on the game floor, near kitchens, or in bathrooms. If the casino knew about a falling hazard and failed to do anything about it, they can be held responsible for negligence.
Violent Altercations
Casinos may be the site of violent altercations, whether due to intoxicated guests or criminal activity. Casinos that provide negligent security can face liability if guests sustain injuries from violent activity.
For example, if a casino has no security and a patron enters the facility with a gun, the casino could be responsible for injuries if the patron discharges their firearm. Similarly, casino management might be liable if they hire an employee with a violent criminal history who goes on to harm a guest.
Broken Casino Equipment
Casinos are full of equipment and furniture that can cause injury if they are broken or defective. Broken chairs can cause severe injury if a patron sits and falls onto the ground, and faulty wiring with a game machine can cause electrical issues.
Wear and tear on casino equipment is inevitable, so casino owners and operators have a duty to regularly inspect equipment and fix/replace anything faulty that could cause injury. If the injured party can prove that the casino management knew about the faulty equipment or failed to perform regular inspections, they can make a claim for injury-related damages.
Shuttle Bus Accidents
Many casinos operate shuttle buses to transport patrons to and from nearby locations, like hotels or airports. Shuttle bus drivers can get into motor vehicle accidents that cause injuries to passengers. Common negligent driving behaviors include:
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signals and signs
- Not signaling before turning
- Turning too quickly
If a shuttle bus driver operates the vehicle too roughly, it can cause patrons to fall inside the vehicle cabin, causing injuries. Shuttle buses may also lack many of the safety features of passenger vehicles, like airbags or seatbelts, making injuries even more likely.
Burns
Casino facilities contain many hazards that can cause burns and scalding injuries. For example, coffee makers and other appliances in hotel rooms can cause painful burns if they malfunction.
Patrons might also sustain injuries if hot liquids are poured on them. This may happen in dining areas where negligent employees drop drinks or don’t do not test the temperature of liquids.
Food Poisoning
Casinos that serve food may also accidentally harm guests if they feed them tainted food. Food can become tainted from a lack of proper storage, using expired ingredients, or unsanitary food preparation facilities. A patron can consume tainted food in a casino restaurant, buffet, or through room service.
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What Should I Do If I’m I Am Injured in a Casino?
If you sustain injuries in a casino, you need to take proactive steps to preserve your ability to make an injury claim. Follow these steps:
- Document your injuries and the accident scene with photos and video recordings.
- Report the incident to casino staff and request a written report of the accident.
- Get medical attention and obtain copies of all medical documentation, like lab reports and imaging results.
- Talk to an attorney. A lawyer can initiate the next steps and provide legal guidance.
The less you delay, the lower the risk of facing payment delays and complications when you file a lawsuit.
Contact a Casino Accident Injury Lawyer Today
If you have injuries due to negligence on the part of a casino or its owners, it’s it is important to take action quickly. The time limit for filing a personal injury claim in Louisiana is only two years, so you have a limited time to file.
A casino accident lawyer from Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys can assess your case and identify options for financial compensation.
Do you have more questions about the most common casino accident injuries? If so, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers in Lafayette and learn how we can help you Turn Wrong Into Right.
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