Brutally Beaten New Jersey Resident Latest To Allege Corporate Negligence Enabling Pattern Of Casino Security Guard Violence At Harrah's Atlantic City

HACKENSACK, N.J., June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Anthony Flora, a Hudson County resident is the latest victim of a "gang-like" beating by a squad of in-house security guards at Harrah's hotel-casino, according to his recently filed civil complaint naming Harrah's, its parent company, Caesars, and numerous related businesses. He becomes the eighth plaintiff to file similar lawsuits against one of the world's largest gaming and resort operators.

Mr. Flora, 36, asserts in his complaint that he was a preferred guest (known as a "Total Rewards" member) at Harrah's on September 6, 2012, into September 7^th when he was brutally beaten without provocation by the casino's in-house security guards.

Mr. Flora's beating, captured from various angles on the casino's numerous security cameras, clearly shows the guards at one point throwing him down to the marble floor, which fractured several teeth, and then repeatedly punching (one of his attackers was wearing a large ring), kicking, and kneeing him, to the point where he is motionless. The video then reveals a bloodied Mr. Flora being taken to the casino's private holding cell where, dazed and handcuffed, he is thrown down onto a metal bench, just before being seen by local paramedics.

Mr. Flora's injuries, documented in post-incident medical reports obtained by counsel, were extensive and included: closed head injury, deep lacerations around the face and eyes requiring seven sutures, cracked and/or fractured teeth, numerous bruises to the chest consistent with the beatings documented on the casino's video.

The 10-count lawsuit (Superior Court of New Jersey, Hudson County / HUD-L-2230-14) asserts numerous claims including assault, battery, false imprisonment, and false arrest. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Michael Maggiano, of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., co-counsel for Mr. Flora, said following the Complaint,  "Mr. Flora is yet another innocent person whose stay at Harrah's Atlantic City turned into a horrific nightmare at the hands of out-of-control security guards. The casino's own security video speaks volumes about the brutality inflicted on Mr. Flora. He looks forward to his day in court and hopes that no one has to undergo what he has been through at a casino that invited him to return to 'enjoy' its hospitality."

Attorney Paul D'Amato, of the D'Amato Law Firm, and co-counsel for Mr. Flora, added, "Mr. Flora's beating is clearly not unique but a reflection of a pattern of unchecked violence by an unsupervised and undisciplined security force. He and the other plaintiffs feared for their lives and continue to wonder how such unprovoked abuse can occur. This can't be what Atlantic City tourism officials had in mind when they adopted the slogan, 'Do AC'.."

Besides Harrah's, the Caesars corporation owns the following Atlantic City casinos: Caesars, Showboat, and Bally's.  As part of the filing there are requests for a litany of corporate security-related records, surveillance tapes, and the deposition of Gary Loveman, the President & Chief Executive Officer of Caesars.

The complaint states in part, "The conduct by and through agents, servants, and employees of the defendants was outlandish' outrageous, willful, wanton, intentional, reckless, negligent, careless, and/,done without any excuse or justification and further demonstrated a corporate culture through management that brute aggressive, physical, violent, and unbridled brute force is an appropriate method of dealing with guests and business invitees. The attack was made at the approval, behest, and direction, as well as and/or indirect participation of supervising management.

It also contends that as a consequence of the reduction in the budget for the security departments, less qualified individuals were hired; there was less efforts relative to the pre-screening investigation of potential employees; there was less training for new employees; there was less periodic training for employees; and there was consequently less supervision of security officers relative to the day-to-day activities."

Media Contacts:

Michael Maggiano
[email protected] 
201.585.9111

Paul D'Amato
[email protected]  
609.926.3300

Stephen Rosenfeld
[email protected] 
215.514.4101      

SOURCE D’Amato Law Firm and Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.