Miami Resort Injury Lawyer Blog

A jury has found the Harrah's Casino in Laughlin Nevada liable for the injuries suffered by guests when a deadly fight broke out between rival motorcycle gangs. The brawl occurred during a popular motorcycle rally back in 2002. The jury in this case must now return to decide the dollar amount of damages to be awarded to the plaintiffs.

This is yet another example of how certain establishments just don't take the time to set up appropriate safeguards to avoid these situations and confrontations, especially when equipped with advance knowledge of the potential of trouble. In South Florida we've handled plenty of cases similar to this one. Our firm has extensive experience handling these claims.

According to the attorney representing the injured bystanders, Harrah's Laughlin officials knew that trouble was coming, but they failed to do anything to prevent the fight between the Hell's Angels and Mongols motorcycle gangs. The fight broke out on the casino floor. Three bikers died and several guests were injured.

The plaintiff's in this lawsuit said they got caught in the crossfire of the brawl or were injured as gamblers rushed out of the casino when the fight erupted. Security footage presented to jurors in a 2006 trial showed gamblers stampeding out of the casino and ducking for cover. The casino's attorneys argued that their client is not liable for the criminal acts of the bikers, which includes a "spontaneous and tragic biker gang brawl." Further, they assert that the fight was not foreseeable.

One of the plaintiffs claimed he injured his back when he dove to the ground in order to avoid getting hit by bullets. He also states he experienced emotional trauma and flashbacks to combat during the Vietnam War. A group of other plaintiffs claim they were entrapped by the stampede of fleeing bystanders and then later found themselves in an elevator with gang members armed with guns.