Jones v. Golden Nugget Biloxi

On May 22, 2024, the Mississippi jury returned a defense verdict after finding no negligence in the present premises liability case which arose from a trip and fall at a casino hotel.

Case Background

Barbara Jones filed the present lawsuit alleging negligence against Golden Nugget Casino Hotel before the Mississippi State, Harrison County Courthouse. Judge Christopher Schmidt presided over this case. [Case number: 20-271]

Cause

On the morning of November 10, 2019, Barbara “Sis” Jones, who was 76 years old, stayed at the Golden Nugget Casino Hotel in Biloxi. The casino, operated by Riverboat Corporation of Mississippi, hosted her during her visit for her daughter’s 50th birthday party. Jones, a resident of Napoleonville, LA, was in the room with her daughters.

That morning, her daughters heard her yell followed by a separate crash. They found her lying on the floor. Jones later explained that, while coming out of the hotel bathroom, she had fallen after her toe caught at the point where the bathroom tile floor met the hotel room’s carpet.

Injury

Jones sustained a broken hip and a concussion from the fall. She subsequently received treatment for post-concussive syndrome. These injuries significantly diminished her quality of life. Previously, she lived alone and led an active lifestyle, frequently interacting with her family and grandchildren.

Damages

The Plaintiffs claimed general damages for the injuries and suffering caused due to the Defendant’s negligence in maintenance and failure to warn patrons about the defective premises.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Barbara Jones
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Thandi Wade | Raymond P. Gee, Jr
  • Defendant(s): Riverboat Corporation of Mississippi d/b/a Golden Nugget Casino Hotel
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Sheldon G. Alston | R. Lane Bobo

Claims

Jones sued the casino, claiming that the condition of her hotel room was hazardous. She specifically pointed out a defect in the carpet where it met the tile, which she said caused her fall. Jones passed away in 2023 at age 80, before the case went to trial. Her estate, representing her daughter, continued to pursue the case to trial.

Defense

The Golden Nugget Casino Hotel denied responsibility and presented evidence showing no prior fall incidents. They also argued that the carpet’s condition was simply normal wear and tear and denied the existence of hazardous conditions.

Jury Verdict

On May 22, 2024, the Mississippi jury assessed whether the plaintiff had proven by a “preponderance of credible evidence” that the Defendant was negligent and had failed to ensure Jones’s safety. No negligence was found. Additionally, the jury did not address issues of “proximate or contributing” cause, plaintiff’s duties, apportionment, or damages. The verdict resulted in a complete defense win for the Defendant.

Court Documents:

Available upon request