$775,000 judgment upheld for woman who tripped, fell at Harrah’s Laughlin

By Cy Ryan

Thursday, July 25, 2013 | 5:35 p.m.

The Nevada Supreme Court has upheld a $775,000 judgment awarded to a woman who tripped and fell on a speed bump at Harrah’s Laughlin.

Alice Swanson, who had visited the resort for 20 years from her home in Yuma, Ariz., said the fall resulted in a shoulder injury on Oct. 7, 2007. She argued the speed bump was too high and Harrah’s failed to exercise reasonable care in protecting people.

Harrah’s maintained the jury verdict should be overturned because there was no clear evidence to justify the award. And it said the verdict was based on mistake, passion or prejudice.

The court on Thursday said, “The facts presented do not clearly show error or manifest injustice, which would require reversal of the verdict.”

The jury awarded $375,000 for past pain and suffering and $400,000 for future pain and suffering. District Judge Douglas Herndon awarded $44,062 in attorney fees and $12,128 for costs.