Las Vegas Mass Shooting Claims Settled for up to $800 Million

October 3, 2019.  MGM Grand Resorts and the lawyers representing families with thousands of claims from the October 1, 2017 mass shooting at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas announced a settlement valued at upwards of $800 million.  

The settlement stems from hundreds of lawsuits brought by and on behalf of victims of the massacre and their families.  They had sued MGM, the owner of Mandalay Bay, for negligence for allowing the shooter to stockpile high-powered rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition in his hotel room.  The settlement is reported to range from $735 million to $800 million to resolve “substantially all” of the lawsuits and claims against MGM.  An independent claims administrator approved by the court will review the circumstances of each victim, including medical bills and expenses, and then decide how much each will receive.

Prior to the settlement MGM had sued over 1,000 victims asking the federal court to declare MGM immune from liability under the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (commonly known as the Safety Act).  Under the Safety Act, enacted after the September 11 attacks, property owners and their security firms can receive a Safety Act certification for approved technologies that enhance security and receive immunity from liability under certain circumstances that constitute an “act of terrorism” under the act. 

MGM’s insurers have agreed to pay $751 million of the settlement amount with any other settlement amounts to be paid from MGM.

Our Safety and Emergency Management group advises and guides owners and security firms on the ever changing nature of security risks using best practices and deep experience to properly assess and mitigate risks, prepare, and effectively respond should a crisis occur.  Our lawyers have been through many crises with businesses and public officials, including school shootings, and are ready to assist your safety and security needs.