What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in a Casino
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Casinos are lively places, attracting thousands of visitors across Michigan and offering entertainment, dining, and excitement. However, with the constant flow of people in the state’s 26 commercial and tribal casinos, accidents can happen.
One common type of accident is a slip and fall at a casino, which is often caused by spilled drinks, uneven floors, or poor lighting. At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we specialize in helping casino injury victims recover compensation.
With Eileen Kroll’s unique expertise as a registered nurse and attorney and Terry Cochran’s extensive trial experience, our team can help secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Risks of a Slip and Fall at a Casino
Have you ever thought about how a simple spilled drink or a crowded walkway could lead to a serious injury in a busy casino? With so much foot traffic and constant activity, it’s easy for hazards to appear, creating real risks for guests, such as:
- Spilled drinks or food. When drinks or food are spilled in high-traffic areas, they create slick surfaces that are difficult for guests to navigate safely.
- Poor lighting. Insufficient lighting can make it harder for guests to notice potential hazards like uneven floors, steps, or obstacles in their path.
- Wet floors. Water from rain, cleaning, or high traffic near bathrooms, pools, or fountains can leave floors slippery, leading to accidents.
- Loose carpets or uneven flooring. Carpets that are improperly secured or floors that are uneven can cause guests to trip unexpectedly.
- Damaged stairs or handrails. Broken handrails or cracked steps can make it difficult for guests to maintain their balance while moving through the casino.
- Cluttered or crowded walkways. Items left in walkways or large crowds can create obstacles that increase the risk of tripping or losing balance.
- Malfunctioning escalators or elevators. Sudden stops, jerky movements, or uneven steps in these systems can cause guests to lose their footing and fall.
Knowing Your Rights After a Slip and Fall Accident
Casinos in Michigan are responsible for keeping their premises safe for guests, a legal obligation known as the duty of care. They must take reasonable steps to prevent hazardous conditions, such as slip and fall risks, by regularly inspecting floors, addressing spills, and ensuring proper lighting and signage.
If a casino fails to meet this duty and a guest is injured, the casino may be held liable. Proving negligence involves showing that the casino knew or should have known about the hazard and did not take action. This applies to both state-regulated and tribal casinos.
Steps To Take After a Slip and Fall at a Casino
Your steps after a slip and fall at a Michigan casino can affect your right to compensation. These businesses and their insurers may attempt to minimize or deny your claim to avoid paying a fair settlement. To protect your health and preserve your legal rights, take the following actions:
Notify Casino Management
Immediately notify casino management after your slip and fall. Casinos have strict policies for handling accidents, and reporting the incident establishes an official record. Clearly explain where and how the fall happened, focusing on the dangerous conditions, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
Request a copy of the incident report for your records. This document shows that you took immediate steps after the accident and provides an official account of the hazardous conditions. It also shows that management was informed promptly, preserving key details supporting your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Visiting a hospital or urgent care provides documentation of your injuries, which is necessary if you plan to file a claim. These medical records serve as concrete proof of the harm you’ve suffered, helping show the accident’s impact.
Even if you feel fine, some injuries like head trauma or internal fractures may not show symptoms right away. A thorough evaluation helps you understand the extent of your injuries and receive the treatment you need, protecting your health and legal interests.
Document the Incident
If you are able, take photos or videos of the accident scene. Capture the dangerous condition that caused your fall, such as a wet floor, debris, or poorly lit areas. These visuals can help establish the casino’s liability by providing clear evidence of the unsafe environment.
Collect the contact information for witnesses who saw the slip and fall happen. Their statements can support your version of events and offer an unbiased perspective on the accident.
Gather Evidence
With the help of your slip and fall attorney, collect the following:
- All medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
- Surveillance footage from the casino, if available
- Your clothing, particularly if torn or stained during the fall
- Copies of any incident reports filed with the casino staff
- A personal record of your symptoms and how the injury affects your daily life
- Documentation of missed work and lost wages due to the accident
- Any emails or communication with the casino regarding the incident
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating the legal process after a casino accident can be tricky, especially if the casino is on tribal land, where different rules apply. At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we understand the unique complexities of tribal laws in Michigan and have successfully helped clients manage these challenges. With our experience, we can ensure your case is handled correctly, whether your injury occurred at a state-regulated or tribal casino.
How Tribal Laws May Affect Your Case in Michigan
Michigan has 23 tribal casinos operated by 12 federally recognized Native American tribes. These casinos offer a variety of gaming options and attract thousands of visitors.
However, recovering compensation for a slip and fall injury at a tribal casino can be more complex. These casinos operate under a unique set of federal and tribal laws that differ from state-level regulations. Businesses on tribal lands may have sovereign immunity, which makes it harder to sue and has strict filing deadlines.
If your injury occurred at a tribal casino, inform your attorney right away. They will need to assess how the unique legal framework of tribal laws may impact your injury claim and formulate a strategy to pursue compensation.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident at a casino, contact our team for a free consultation to discuss your case. We will help you understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation after a slip and fall at a casino.
Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW (1-866-642-4529) and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
