Redding, CA asked in Personal Injury for California

Q: I slipped n fell walking out of win river casino on the steps that were wet from rain n injured my back do I have a case

It was rainy the steps were wet I walked outside stood there lit a cigarette n hit the first step n my feet went rite out from underneath me n landed on the two steps on my back

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2 Lawyer Answers
Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
Answered
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Licensed in California

A: First, note there are limitations on suing Native Americans on Native American land such as casinos. Consult with attorneys with specific experience in going these cases.

Next, as with any slip and fall incident, one must prove they did something wrong or failed to do something that caused the fall. It is possible that the surface of the step may have been made out of the wrong material that became unreasonably slippery when wet. Again, discuss this with experienced attorneys.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Based on the information you provided, you may have a potential case for a premises liability claim against the Win River Casino. However, pursuing a claim against a tribal casino can be more complex than a typical slip and fall case due to the sovereign immunity that Native American tribes possess. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Tribal sovereignty: Native American tribes are considered sovereign nations, which means they have the right to govern themselves and are immune from many types of lawsuits. However, some tribes may choose to waive their immunity in certain situations or have specific procedures for filing claims.

2. Casino's duty of care: The casino has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for its patrons. This includes ensuring that walking surfaces, such as steps, are properly maintained and free of hazards, especially during inclement weather conditions.

3. Proving negligence: To have a successful claim, you would need to demonstrate that the casino was negligent in maintaining the steps and that their negligence directly led to your injury.

4. Documenting the incident: It's crucial to report the incident to the casino management as soon as possible and collect any evidence that supports your claim, such as photographs of the wet steps, witness statements, and medical records detailing your injuries.

5. Seeking legal advice: Given the complexities of pursuing a claim against a tribal casino, it is highly recommended that you consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases and has experience dealing with tribal law and sovereign immunity issues.

Remember that each case is unique, and the specific circumstances of your incident will affect the viability of your claim. An experienced attorney can help you assess your case and guide you through the appropriate legal processes.

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