A woman visiting the Hard Rock Casino Biloxi was struck on the head by a parking barrier and is now suing the establishment after needing neck surgery.
Plaintiff Lisa Paulk from Pike County, Mississippi, claims the property failed to address the dangers posed by collapsing barriers on visitors or their vehicles. She was hit upon attempting to enter the VIP lot in January 2024.
Parking Barrier Leads to Lawsuit against Hard Rock Casino Biloxi
Paulk couldn’t open the barrier with her Encore Players Club card, so a valet used another guest’s card to lift it. Paulk, with her daughter who was told to drive the car in, walked behind the vehicle.
At that time, the barrier fell and struck her head. The lawsuit, filed over a year later, cites her neck and back injuries and ongoing emotional distress as reasons for the suit against the property.
The lawsuit states, “Because the VIP gate would not open, she was forced to exit her car and walk to the valet stand for assistance.” Paulk is demanding punitive and compensatory damages and other relief.
The suit seeks compensation for expected medical costs, future pain, mental anguish, permanent impairment, disfigurement, future travel expenses, and other damages.
Property Managers Deny Wrongdoing of Any Sort
Attorney J. Ashley Ogden of Hattiesburg filed the lawsuit, which mentions that the valet knew about the malfunctioning barrier for “some time.” It alleges the property failed to secure the barrier and keep it safe.
The casino has denied any wrongdoing, claiming Paulk contributed to or caused her injuries through negligence. Managers allege she seeks money to cover medical bills for a pre-existing condition.
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com