Canadian Family Sues Las Vegas’ Excalibur for Fatal Negligence

The Excalibur, a popular casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip, has been accused of indirectly causing the untimely death of visitor. The victim’s family is taking the casino to court, alleging negligence and lax safety.

The Man Hit His Head in the Pool

Paul Nakashima, who is the man in question, was visiting the Excalibur with family and friends in June 2023. The 60-years-old was enjoying the property’s Court Pool when he slipped on the steps and badly hit his head in a very shallow area of the pool. After the hit, the man became unresponsive.

The lifeguard on duty did not immediately notice anything wrong and only intervened when guests notified him of a person floating with his head underwater.

The lifeguards’ response, according to the family, was inadequate and did not follow the official aquatic emergency plan, policies, and regulations. While they rushed in to get Nakashima out of the water, they did not check for dangers or use a backboard to get the man out.

To make matters worse, the pool staff lacked the necessary equipment needed to provide medical aid. Instead, a guest with medical experience attempted CPR to no avail. Paramedics arrived soon but it was too late. According to them, the man had been deprived of oxygen for more than 45 minutes and would not recover.

The Family Believes the Death Was Preventable

Nakashima’s family has now initiated a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming that the insufficient safety measures and the casino resort staff’s inaction contributed to the man’s passing. The claims range from negligent training of casino staff to inadequate pool design.

According to Nakashima’s relatives, the Excalibur should be responsible for properly maintaining the pool area, ensuring that unnecessary risks caused by slippery surfaces and other hazards are avoided.

Additionally, the lawsuit argues that the Excalibur had hired lifeguards with insufficient training who were unable to react on timely manner and provide adequate help. It implied that adequate help might have prevented Nakashima’s passing.

The lawsuit also claims that the family members have been traumatized by the event. The family now seeks damages of over $15,000, as well as compensation for lawsuit costs and funeral expenses.

Excalibur officials have yet to comment on the matter.