Bad Bet: Plaintiff Turns Down $2.5 Million Offer From Mandalay Bay . . . Jury Then Awards Just $500,000

Gambling in Vegas is always precarious when playing against the house. It appears the same is true in both the courts and the casinos.   Glenn Richardson sued Mandalay Bay resort for personal injuries sustained near the hotel pool.  The hotel offered a $2.5 million offer and Richardson surprisingly turned it down and instead opted to go to a verdict.  He received just $524,000 from the jury — a $2 million loss.

The tort action itself was unassailable.  In 2015, Richardson was struck down near the Mandalay Bay pool by a sign being erected for a forthcoming event.  It pinned him to the floor and caused traumatic brain injury with cognitive and memory loss as well as spinal and knee injuries requiring surgery.

His counsel asked for $10 million in damages for past pain and suffering, $20 million in future pain and suffering, and $2.1 million to cover lost wages and medical expenses. He also asked the jury award $3 million to his wife for past and future loss of consortium.

His attorney, Adam Breeden, said he intends to appeal the verdict.