Injured at a casino? Understanding your rights under premises liability
Premises Liability - February 18, 2025 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
While casinos can be a source of entertainment, a visit can turn into a lawsuit if you are hurt on the property due to their negligence. A Chicago premises liability lawyer can help you sue the casino for injury and recover your losses. Casinos are obligated to keep you safe while you are on their property, and Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates advocates for you and holds them accountable when they have failed you.
Casinos are responsible for the safety of their guests
Casinos are responsible for their guests’ safety and maintaining an environment free of hazards. As property owners, they are responsible for fixing issues that arise that could be dangerous for visitors. To be held liable, the casino should have known about the hazard (or have reasonably been aware of it) and not done anything to resolve it.
Casinos and their hotels also owe different types of visitors a different level of care when they are on the casino’s property. These visitors could fall into one of three categories: invitee, licensee, or trespasser. An invitee is allowed to be on the property with clear permission from the owner, a licensee may be allowed on the property in a limited capacity, and a trespasser does not have any right to be on the property.
According to the Illinois Premises Liability Act, invitees and licensees are both owed an equal duty of care by the casino. Trespassers are owed the least duty of care.
Types of accidents and injuries you may sustain on casino grounds
There are many ways individuals can be injured in a casino if the owners and managers do not take the appropriate precautions, safety measures, and maintenance. A few common types of casino accidents that can occur include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Pool accidents
- Elevator or escalator accidents
- Incidents resulting from poor security measures
- Food poisoning
Injured individuals could experience broken bones, head, neck, and spine injuries, and hip or pelvis injuries, among others. It is important to get medical assistance after an accident in a casino and take pictures of the accident site. You should also file a report about the accident and keep it along with your photos and medical bills to use as evidence.
Casinos and alcohol/substance use
Casinos are often associated with alcohol consumption, and in some cases, substance use, which can contribute to various injuries. When casinos fail to regulate alcohol service or provide adequate security, patrons and employees may be at risk of harm. Common alcohol and substance-related injuries that can occur at casinos include:
- Physical altercations and assaults
- Drunk driving accidents – Casinos often provide free or discounted alcoholic beverages, sometimes leading to excessive drinking.
- Overdose or medical emergencies – If a casino fails to respond appropriately to a medical emergency caused by alcohol poisoning or substance use, it could be held responsible for negligence.
- Falls from balconies, staircases, or escalators – Intoxication can impair a person’s ability to navigate stairs or balconies safely, increasing the risk of serious falls.
- Gambling-related incidents – Impaired judgment due to substance use can lead to financial distress, erratic behavior, or even self-harm. If a casino knowingly allows a visibly intoxicated person to continue gambling or making high-risk financial decisions, it may face liability.
If you or a loved one were injured due to intoxication-related negligence at a casino, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help investigate your case, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
We can help you seek the compensation that eases your loss from a casino injury
Injuries from a casino accident can set you back financially and affect your life and mobility. It can be stressful to try and figure out how to cover your medical bills and get back what you lost. While the situation may feel overwhelming, a product liability lawsuit is beneficial for allowing you to recover compensation that will ease your losses. Depending on your situation, damages can offset multiple losses, which can include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Income lost or minimized from being unable to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Decreased quality of life
- Inability to enjoy your normal activities
Talk to your lawyer about both your casino injury and the pain and suffering you have experienced so they can ensure you receive sufficient compensation. They will first verify that your pursuit of compensation falls within the two-year statute of limitations as outlined in Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/13-202. Your lawyer will also calculate the value of your losses and negotiate with the casino to secure a settlement you are satisfied with.
Your premises liability lawyer works to establish the casino’s negligence
Premises liability cases are built upon negligence, so to win your case, your lawyer must demonstrate that the casino owed you a duty of care to ensure your visit was safe. By having knowledge of the hazardous condition and failing to fix or resolve it, they breached the duty they had to you. As a result, their actions were the direct cause of your injuries. Therefore, as a liable party, they must pay for your damages so you have the means to recover.
Your lawyer will help you establish the standard of negligence above so you can receive compensation and get justice. To have a strong case and compelling arguments and strategies, your lawyer will first thoroughly evaluate your case, investigate all aspects of the accident, and help compile the evidence needed to support your claim. Regardless of how your case resolves, your lawyer will never stop fighting, advocating, and negotiating for you.
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is a loyal advocate
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates provides loyal, client-centered representation after a casino injury accident. With extensive experience, our team fights to get you the resources you need when your life has been disrupted by a hotel and casino injury. We advocate for you and support you so you do not have to go through this challenge alone.
Contact us today or call us at (800) 985-1819 to schedule a free consultation, and our team will evaluate your case and help you take the first step toward justice.
