Every year, tourists from around the country and 
across the world travel to Las Vegas to enjoy shows and restaurants on the Strip and to gamble in casinos. According to an article in the Las Vegas Sun, the city hosts more than 40 million visitors every year, including many who stay at Las Vegas hotels and gamble at nearby casinos. Indeed, that article cites the average gambling budget for all visitors as $530. However, not all travelers have an ideal experience. Without warning, a rough patch of carpet or a slick tile floor can lead to a dangerous slip, trip, or fall accident on a casino floor.
When such an accident happens, the injury victim often wants to know: what should I do if I trip and fall at a casino in Las Vegas? Am I able to file a lawsuit against the casino? What will I need to prove to hold the casino liable for damages? These are important questions, and we will address them for you here.S
Gather as Much Evidence as Possible at the Scene of the Accident
When you trip and fall, or slip and fall, at a Las Vegas casino, it is important to gather as much information as possible at the scene of the incident. You will need this evidence to help show that the casino is liable for your injuries, and thus responsible for paying damages. What kind of evidence should you be sure to gather?
- Photographs of the scene: if you tripped on a rough patch of carpet or flooring, take a date-stamped and time-stamped photo of the area of the flooring. Similarly, you will want to take a picture of a liquid spill or wet spot that might have caused your slip and fall near a restroom or in a restaurant area. Most cell phones have the capacity to take photos that will record the date and time you snapped the picture. Be sure to take close-up photos of the issue that caused the trip and fall, as well as longer shots that make clear where the incident occurred.
- Witness information: did anyone witness your slip, trip, or fall? You should write down contact information for anyone who saw what happened and can testify about the dangerous condition that caused your accident. Witnesses might include other patrons, employees, or friends and family members with whom you are traveling. Your premises liability lawyer will want to have access to witnesses, and it will be important to obtain names, phone numbers, email addresses, and any other relevant contact information.
What Will I Need to Prove to Hold the Casino Liable?
In Nevada, if you get hurt in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit. Generally speaking, premises liability claims require a plaintiff to show the following:
- Defendant owned or was in control of the premises at the time of the accident;
- Plaintiff was permitted to be on the premises;
- Dangerous condition existed on the premises;
- Defendant either caused the dangerous condition or should have known about it; and
- Dangerous condition caused the plaintiff’s injury.