Woman Clobbered by VIP Parking Barrier Sues Hard Rock Biloxi
A VIP casino guest needed neck surgery after a parking gate allegedly landed on her head. Now the incident has landed Hard Rock Casino Biloxi in court, The Biloxi Sun Herald reports.
The Incident
Lisa Paulk claims she was walloped by the parking gate as she attempted to enter the casino’s VIP lot on Jan. 12, 2024.
According to the complaint, filed this month in Harrison County Circuit Court, Paulk’s Encore Players Club scanner card repeatedly failed to lift the gate.
After abandoning her vehicle for assistance and using another guest’s card to raise the arm, she was instructed by valet staff to walk behind her daughter’s car as it drove into the garage. At that precise moment, the barrier descended without warning and struck her on the head, per the complaint.
The Lawsuit
The lawsuit cites neck injury requiring surgery, back trauma, and continuing emotional distress. Paulk claims that the valet admitted the barrier arm “had been malfunctioning for some time,” yet no caution signs or barriers to prevent pedestrian access were in place.
“Because the VIP gate would not open, (Paulk) was forced to exit her car and walk to the valet stand for assistance,” the complaint alleges, adding that the valet also attempted unsuccessfully to open the barrier with Paulk’s car card before borrowing one from the next vehicle.”
The Casino’s Response
The casino and its three property manager defendants deny all liability. They argue Paulk either caused or contributed to her injuries, which they say stem from pre-existing conditions, not the gate incident.
Paulk seeks unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages, and other relief. The claim petitions for compensation for past, present, and anticipated medical costs, “future pain, suffering and mental anguish, permanent physical impairment, permanent disfigurement, future travel expenses and other damages.”
A Similar Case
The case is eerily similar to a lawsuit filed in Henderson, Nev., where a woman claims she was struck in the face by a malfunctioning automated gate arm while leaving the VIP parking garage at Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino.
Elizabeth Browner alleges that the casino failed to provide a marked pedestrian walkway, forcing her into a traffic lane where the gate arm unexpectedly descended, causing significant facial and eye injuries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in casino parking facilities, particularly for VIP guests. The fact that multiple incidents have been reported with similar malfunctions raises concerns about the casinos’ responsibility to maintain their premises and provide adequate warnings or barriers to prevent accidents.