There are 19 casinos in Florida, 12 of which are right here in Miami, and with the state showing a higher level of gun-related incidents overall than the national average it is imperative that Casinos do everything they can to protect patrons.
What types of injuries might you suffer at a casino?
Millions of visitors hit the tables and slot machines hoping for the jackpot, and many walk away happy. However, guests with pockets full of winnings also attract criminal activity. Robbery, aggravated assault, and other violent crimes including casino shootings can happen when operators do not employ appropriate security measures.
According to the American Gaming Association, Florida casinos generated $687.5 million in revenue in 2024. With millions of patrons visiting every year, sadly this does mean casinos can attract criminal activity including:
Robbery
Big winnings can mean big risks. Patrons who win big at the casinos may be identified and followed by other patrons or even criminal gangs and targeted for a robbery once the winnings have been collected. In some cases, this could turn violent and escalate to aggravated assault or even a shooting if the patron attempts to defend themselves.
Aggravated Assault
Similar to the risk of robbery, aggravated assault risks are high at casinos due to the potential benefit to the perpetrator and victims can often be targeted through big wins or monitoring behavior around the casino to identify vulnerable targets.
Shootings
Occasionally, attempted robberies might go wrong and the perpetrator may resort to use of a deadly weapon to carry out their crime. With the state of gun violence in Florida, this could very easily mean a firearm is produced and a shooting takes place.
What are the legal duties of casinos under Florida Law?
Casinos and the staff working in them have a legal duty to protect their patrons under premises liability law. This covers general areas, such as:
-
Repairs and maintenance
-
Cleaning up spills
-
Ensuring elevators are operational and safe
-
Sufficient security measures are in place
But also extends to ensuring the premises are reasonably safe from criminal acts, and as criminal acts are foreseeable at casinos this means casino owners must take additional precautions including:
-
Installing security cameras - some now also use AI to detect firearms for additional security
-
Employing properly licensed security staff
-
Restricting access to only casino guests
-
Ensuring auto-locking doors and keycard systems are in place throughout the casino
-
Ensuring adequate lighting is installed in all owned areas including parking lots, corridors, hallways, and other common areas
If a casino owner does not adequately meet these measures, or fails to implement them, they could be liable for a negligent security claim with victims of casino injuries and casino shootings able to claim compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Can Hotels and Casinos be held liable for shooting injuries?
Any business or landowner can be held liable for injuries caused by a third-party attack, if they failed to exercise reasonable care in selecting and implementing necessary security measures. This type of premises liability case is often referred to as a negligent security claim. To bring a successful negligent security claim against a hotel or casino, you must establish the following four things:
-
The business, property owner, or security company had a duty to look out for your safety;
-
The responsible parties breached their duty to you by failing to have reasonable security measures;
-
The lack of security measures proximately caused your injuries; and
-
You suffered damages as a result of the attack.
Oftentimes negligent security claims require an enormous amount of evidence, expert witness testimony, and proof to even get to trial. Our thorough intake process and meticulous scrutiny of every detail, ensures that nothing slips through the cracks. Our skilled casino shooting lawyers have the expertise to achieve the best possible results for you. We will fight hard to prove that this tragic attack could have been prevented, if only the casino or hotel took reasonable safety precautions.
A Vacation With The Family Can Turn Into a Nightmare
The devastating Las Vegas mass shooting at a country music festival near the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino left 58 people dead and hundreds more injured. While the nation mourned all those that had been affected by this senseless tragedy, it did not stem the tide of gun violence throughout the country. Especially in Las Vegas, Nevada, a city renowned for its entertainment, fine dining, and night life. In fact, the year following the October 1, 2017, mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival, the State of Nevada had 550 firearm related deaths. That is the highest amount in the past 10 years. This trend is very concerning for vacationers that flock to Las Vegas for a little fun in the sun and nightlife entertainment.
Were You or a Loved One Affected by a Shooting in a Hotel or Casino?
If you or a loved one has been affected by a shooting in a hotel, Casino, or anywhere else contact our top-rated casino shooting attorneys for a free evaluation of your case. Our compassionate lawyers have helped many families get through some of the toughest times in their lives, and we are here to help you. We do not charge a penny in fees unless we obtain just compensation for you and your loved ones. We will not stop fighting until you obtain the justice you deserve!