Everything is back in Vegas

It’s back to business as usual in Las Vegas – or is it? The city’s hotels, casinos, and other commercial enterprises are reopening their doors.

Yet the pandemic is not quite over and visitors still risk encountering the traditional dangers common in Sin City.

Las Vegas rolls pandemic dice

The roulette wheels are spinning, conventions are returning, and the showgirls are dancing again. Clark County officials recently announced the lifting of all pandemic restrictions, meaning restaurants, hotels, bars, and casinos are welcoming back their customers.

Despite the apparent good news, some people have questions. Are officials moving too fast in an effort to jump-start the local economy? Will variants of the pandemic virus emerge? How can businesses tell whether unmasked visitors have actually been vaccinated?

“It feels as though we are in the front seat of a roller coaster,” said Alan Feldman, a distinguished fellow at the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. “We see clear skies ahead, but will we continue to go up – or will we go down?”

The motivation behind the reopening is simple: The pandemic took a major toll on Las Vegas. Unemployment reached an astronomical 33% in April 2020. Even now, Culinary Workers Local 226 says about half of its 60,000 members are out of work. Overall, gaming revenue in the state dropped about $6 billion, or about 25%, in the 2020 fiscal year.

A vaccine won't protect you from negligence

While it’s true that the coronavirus seems to be in retreat, visitors to Las Vegas hotels and casinos have always faced the risk of injury due to negligence.

Here are some of the most common ways people get hurt.

Hotel room accidents

Unstable furniture, loose carpeting, uneven flooring, and water that's too hot pose some of the biggest risks. Rooms should also be sanitary and free of bedbugs.

Incidents involving alcohol

Over-indulgence is common, especially in Las Vegas. This can lead to everything from drunk driving crashes to alcohol-fueled assaults.

Broken chairs

It may seem like an odd mishap, but heavily used furniture in casinos becomes worn and, if not properly repaired or replaced, can cause injuries when they break and someone falls hard to the floor.

Negligent security

Cash flows freely and catches the attention of thieves, who often target big spenders, big winners, and tourists. Hotels and casinos are required to keep their premises safe and protect visitors from being harmed, but robberies, break-ins, shootings, stabbings, and other assaults are possible when management cuts corners.

Food poisoning

With meals being served to tens of thousands of people at restaurants, bars, and buffets, the proper preparation, handling, and storage of food can sometimes be overlooked. Food that's contaminated with bacteria can cause you to become very sick and may result in hospitalization or death (in severe cases). Common types of food poisoning include salmonella and E. coli.

Ground transportation accidents

Shuttles, buses, and limousines are popular modes of guest transportation. They also are subject to accidents. Slippery steps and obstructed aisles pose risks too.

Elevator and escalator accidents

Malfunctions can cause injuries if the equipment is not properly maintained.

Don't gamble with your future if you've been injured

It’s likely you have heard the gambling adage that “the house never loses.” If you’ve suffered an injury during a trip to Las Vegas, you quickly learn exactly what that means.

Casinos, hotels, and other businesses are experts at protecting their bottom lines and their reputations. They may offer you a free stay or other perks if you agree not to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit over your injury. If you do take them to court, you’ll be up against their teams of attorneys, who see cases like yours every day and know how to punch holes in your case.

At Lasso Injury Law, we know how to build a strong case and aggressively advocate for your best interests.

Let an experienced personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation.