Casino patrons injured in a gang fight at Harrah's Laughlin in 2002 have found support from the jury.
A jury verdict was announced late Wednesday in Clark County District Court, declaring that Harrah's Laughlin is to be held liable for injuries sustained by bystanders during a fight among rival biker gangs in 2002, a battle that resulted in the death of three people.
Plaintiffs in the case claim that casino officials were aware of potential trouble between members of the Hell's Angels and Mongols gangs and that security was inadequate. This court battle was not the first related to the incident, but it is the first time that the casino giant was found liable.
In five previous federal lawsuits and a state lawsuit plaintiffs have lost against Harrah's.
While Harrah's doesn't comment on pending litigation they may choose to appeal the courts findings.
In the court case plaintiffs laid out stories of the brawl, caught in the crossfire between the Hell's Angels and Mongols. The bikers, who were at the casino attending a River Run bike event, were armed with guns, knives and other weapons. Bystanders dove to the casino floor and attempted to take shelter or flee, with some coming in close proximity to the combatants.
The damages portion of the court case begins on Friday.