Casino Shooting Victim Sues Venue for Negligent Security

This case highlights the ongoing debates of how much emphasis casinos can place on security before meeting diminishing returns and hurting the player experienceImage Source: Shutterstock.com

A victim in a2022 shootingoutside the bestbet Orange Parkcasino in Florida is suing the gambling venue, claiming it failed to provide adequate securitymeasures to protect its patrons. The result of this legal action could recontextualize casinos’ responsibility to ensure the safety of their customers and potentially lead tobroader industry changes.

The Attack Left Lasting Scars

On 23 November 2022, Karruah Parkinsonwas shot multiple timesin the parking lot of bestbet Orange Park, just minutes after cashing out his poker winningstotaling around $6,000. According to the police, Parkinson was followed by several men he played poker with earlier in the evening who targeted him outside the casino.

As Parkinsonattempted to fleethe attackers, he was shot and subsequently crashed his car in the parking lot. Parkinson suffered severe injuries, including gunshot wounds to his stomach and arm. Fortunately, first responders were quick to arrive at the scene, transporting him to HCA Florida Orange ParkHospital just in time to save his life.

The victim continues to grapple with the aftermathof the shooting. His injuries required extensive medical treatment, and he remains under carefor complications related to his internal organs. Such trauma has substantially impacted his quality of lifeand left him with significant physical scars that constantly remind him of his near-death experience.

The Suit Argues the Shooting Was Preventable

Almost two years after the attack, Parkinson has filed a lawsuit accusing bestbet Orange Park of negligent security. His legal team argued that the venue hadfailed in its obligationsto protect patrons. According to a recent report by news outlet News4JAX, attorney Okoye Morganstated that this incident could have been prevented had the casino invested more in guarding its premises.

We believe that the security was inadequate, and they owed our client a duty to protect him, and they failed.

Okoye Morgan, personal injury attorney

The suit points to allegations that Parkinson sought assistancefrom security as he tried to flee but found no officersat their stations. Although the authorities recovered the stolen car used in the crime and the firearm involved, no arrest has been made. Police lamented that witnesses remained uncooperative, likely due to the influence of local gangs. 

Many of the individuals who might have information regarding this case are gang members or associated with gangs in the Duval County area and are not willing to cooperate with police.

Cody Monroe, assistant chief of police

Parkinson’s legal team emphasized the broader implicationsof the lawsuit, hoping to push for enhanced security by casinos. The case stands out as a grim reminder that casino crime remains a frequent issue requiring proactive measuresby venues and constant cooperation with law enforcement. If successful, the lawsuit couldset a precedent for holding venues liable for lapses in security.