Las Vegas Casinos Liability: $15 Million Jury Award for Slip and Fall Victim at Cosmopolitan
$15 Million Jury Award in Cosmopolitan Slip and Fall Highlights Risks at Las Vegas Casinos
While many visitors travel to the desert to enjoy the high-stakes excitement found within Las Vegas casinos, a recent legal outcome serves as a sobering reminder of the physical risks present in such massive entertainment venues. A recent civil jury verdict has resulted in a substantial award of $15 million to Deborah Fenton, a California woman injured during a slip and fall incident at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. The accident occurred at the property’s popular Chandelier Bar in 2021, where she suffered injuries from slipping on wet broken glass, highlighting the significant liability responsibilities held by major gambling establishments.
The Incident and Legal Proceedings
Fenton’s lawsuit, filed nearly two years after the incident, alleged negligence on the part of the Cosmopolitan and its owner, MGM Resorts. The jury determined that her injuries were caused by an unsafe condition on the property, specifically related to the presence of water and glass on the floor.
Details of her injuries were not disclosed in the original lawsuit. However, the jury’s decision outlined significant amounts for her suffering, including:
- $12.3 million for future pain and suffering
- $1.4 million for past pain, mental anguish, and lost enjoyment of life
- $976,614 for future medical expenses
- $261,751 for previous medical costs
Ownership and Liability Considerations
At the time of Fenton’s fall, MGM Resorts did not own the Cosmopolitan, having acquired it for nearly $1.7 billion in 2022 from the Blackstone Group. The circumstances regarding ownership and liability have raised questions about whether MGM will appeal the jury’s decision. It’s important to note that the company typically does not comment on lawsuits involving their properties.
Conclusion
To summarize, the $15 million award reflects the seriousness of slip and fall accidents in high-profile casinos. This case serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities that property owners have to ensure guest safety, especially in busy environments such as casinos.
