A shocking incident at a popular casino has led to a significant lawsuit that could have wide-reaching implications for the entertainment industry. On June 17, 2024, Sean Branham and Mia Mills filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County against Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack and several associated entities. The couple alleges negligence on the part of the defendants after a wall collapse resulted in severe injuries to Branham.
According to the complaint, Branham and Mills were patrons at Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack on June 24, 2022. While Mills was seated at a gaming kiosk, Branham stood nearby when he stepped backward into what appeared to be a solid wall. To his horror, the wall collapsed, causing him to fall and strike his head on a metal cabinet behind it. The plaintiffs assert that this incident was due to the defendants' failure to maintain safe premises and warn of foreseeable dangers.
The plaintiffs named multiple defendants in their lawsuit: Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, Chester Downs and Marina LLC (trading as Harrah's Philadelphia), Caesar’s Entertainment Inc., VICI Properties LLC, VICI Properties Inc., VICI Properties LP, along with various unidentified entities referred to as ABC Corp., DEF Inc., GHI LLP, XYZ LLC, John Does 1 through 25, and Jane Does 1 through 25. They argue that these entities either directly or vicariously contributed to the unsafe conditions that led to Branham's injuries.
Branham sustained multiple injuries from the fall including a fractured femur, head injury leading to post-concussion syndrome, chronic respiratory failure, anxiety disorder among others. Mills witnessed her husband's traumatic experience firsthand which caused her significant emotional distress. The complaint accuses the defendants of negligence for failing to properly construct and maintain their facilities. "Defendants breached their duty by failing to timely inspect and correct hazardous conditions," states one section of the complaint.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages exceeding the jurisdictional limit for arbitration. They request judgment against all named defendants for medical expenses incurred due to Branham’s injuries as well as compensation for pain and suffering endured by both plaintiffs. Additionally, they seek damages for loss of consortium claimed by Mills due to her husband's incapacitation.
Representing Branham and Mills is attorney Mark S. Guralnick from Broomall-based law firm Mark S. Guralnick A Professional Corporation. The case will be heard before judges at the Court of Common Pleas in Delaware County under Case ID NO.