MGM Sues 2017 Las Vegas Shooting Victims
The owner of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, MGM Resorts Entertainment, is currently lawsuiting over 1,000 people affected by the 'Las Vegas shooter', who killed 58 people in the hotel last October. People worldwide are getting angry at the stock exchange group.
Almost a year after the shocking and terrifying attack on the Las Vegas Strip, the MGM hotel chain is taking legal action against more than 1,000 victims: Through declaratory actions filed in the federal courts of Nevada and California, the billion-dollar company is trying to avoid any blame and to end all potential claims for damages.
MGM argues that a law passed by Congress in response to 9/11, known as the "Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act" or "Saftey Act", protects them from claims for damages. This act protects security companies that use anti-terrorism technologies and have a license from U.S. Homeland Security. They claim CSC-USA, a company that worked for MGM during the music festival, meets these criteria.
The event site was also inspected by the State Security Service, Homeland Security, who declared it safe. Therefore, the concertgoers were not only victims of the shots from Paddock, but also for not fleeing fast enough, MGM argues. If the tragic event is considered an act of terrorism, then MGM shouldn't be held liable for the casualties, injuries, or any other damages, according to Debra DeShong, press spokeswoman. She stated, "There's literally 'no liability whatsoever on the part of the plaintiffs toward the defendants'." All claims would have to be dismissed, she added.
Understanding the Situation
On October 1, 2017, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire on the Las Vegas Strip for over ten minutes using over 1,000 assault rifles from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The horrific aftermath includes 58 casualties, 851 serious injuries, and trauma for thousands of people. The world was horrified by the attack.
There are still several unanswered questions regarding the event, including Paddock's motive, how long it took the police to arrive, and how he managed to smuggle so many weapons into the resort unnoticed.
A 'Hypocritical Maneuver'
The Las Vegas-based MGM Group is now facing over 2,500 civil claims for damages from victims and relatives. If this case sets a precedent, it could cost MGM billions in the future. MGM has maintained that they want to clarify the legal situation but their actions are drawing criticism.
The survivors are being re-victimized, according to Route 91 Strong, a victims' association. Many of those affected still suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, lost their jobs, and have suicidal thoughts.
Lawyer Robert Eglet, representing the victims, believes MGM's class action lawsuits are "simply reprehensible behavior." He described the company's actions as an attempt to scare the survivors - who are entitled to compensation anyway.
Another lawyer, Brian Claypool, who is representing the victims, sees the wave of lawsuits as a "hypocritical maneuver" and a way to coerce the survivors into dropping their claims. The debate could turn into a major public relations disaster for MGM. The future of these federal lawsuits remains uncertain.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
