Lake Tahoe casino sued over deadly DUI accident

Monday, March 9, 1998 | 8:49 a.m.

Judy Peckler also named the driver, Robert Phillip Scott, in addition to the Crystal Bay Club in the wrongful death civil lawsuit. Peckler claims Scott arrived at the club drunk and casino employees "encouraged his gambling (and) provided him with additional alcoholic beverages even though he was known to be intoxicated."

Scott, who had been convicted of drunken driving three years earlier, was driving a pickup-truck. He crossed over the line and plowed into the family's sport utility vehicle, killing the threesome who were headed up to Tahoe for a ski weekend.

Scott's brother, riding in the truck bed, was also killed in the January 1997 accident on Highway 267 near Truckee, Calif.

Scott, 36, of Truckee, had a blood alcohol content of .22, nearly three times California's .08 legal limit, according to the CHP and the Placer County district attorney.

He was charged with drunken driving and vehicular manslaughter.

Peckler lawyer Randall Willoughby acknowledged California law limits civil liabilities for bars, but said he believes this case is different because it involves a casino.

"I happen to think there is a distinction when an establishment provides free alcohol for the purpose of enhancing an unrelated commercial endeavor - gambling," he said. "I feel strongly that had effective security measures been taken, this tragic accident would not have occurred."

Geno Menchetti, attorney for the Crystal Bay Club, said that neither he nor the club has been served and he could not comment on the suit.

The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of money for compensatory and punitive damages.