Hotels and casinos across Nevada welcome millions of guests every year, many of whom trust that these properties will keep them safe. Yet, when management fails to provide adequate security or to address known dangers, guests can become vulnerable to violent crimes—including sexual assault. Survivors of these traumatic incidents often face not only emotional and physical pain but also complex legal questions about who should be held responsible.
Our firm represents survivors of sexual assault and other violent acts that occur in hotels, casinos, and resorts throughout Las Vegas and Clark County. We believe every guest has the right to safety, privacy, and justice. When those rights are violated, we pursue accountability through the civil court system with compassion, discretion, and discipline. Our role is to help survivors rebuild their lives while holding negligent hotel owners and corporations responsible for the harm they allowed to occur.
Holding Hotels Accountable: The Legal Duty of Care in Nevada
Hotels have a legal responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions for all guests. This duty extends beyond basic maintenance and cleanliness—it includes taking reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. When a hotel’s security measures fail, the law allows survivors to pursue civil claims for negligence.
Understanding the Legal Duty to Protect Guests From Foreseeable Harm
Nevada law recognizes that businesses inviting the public onto their property must anticipate and prevent foreseeable dangers. If hotel management knew or should have known about a risk—such as repeated incidents of harassment, inadequate lighting, or prior assaults—they can be held liable for failing to act. Our attorneys analyze whether the hotel met its duty of care based on industry standards and the specific circumstances surrounding each case.
How Nevada Premises Liability Laws Apply to Hotel Assaults
Sexual assault cases that occur on hotel property fall under the broader category of premises liability law. This area of law focuses on whether a property owner acted reasonably to protect guests from harm. Failing to repair broken locks, monitor entrances, or hire qualified security personnel can constitute negligence when those failures lead to an assault.
When Security Failures Become a Breach of Duty
A breach of duty occurs when a hotel fails to take reasonable precautions against foreseeable threats. Common examples include failing to install security cameras in parking areas, neglecting to replace malfunctioning door locks, or ignoring prior safety complaints. These lapses create opportunities for criminals to target guests, and when they do, the hotel may bear legal responsibility.
Can You Sue a Hotel for Negligence? Understanding the Scenarios
When an assault happens on hotel property, more than one party may share responsibility. Identifying who is liable depends on how and why the security failure occurred. Nevada law allows survivors to pursue claims against property owners, management companies, or contractors whose negligence contributed to the assault.
Assaults in Guest Rooms, Elevators, or Parking Garages
Sexual assaults frequently occur in secluded areas of hotels where security is weakest—such as parking structures, elevators, stairwells, and guest rooms. In these cases, poor lighting, lack of surveillance, or faulty locks often play a role. Our firm investigates how the perpetrator gained access and whether hotel management ignored previous warnings about similar risks.
Incidents Involving Poorly Supervised or Screened Employees
Hotels are responsible for hiring and supervising employees who interact with guests. When management fails to conduct proper background checks or disregards behavioral complaints, the consequences can be devastating. If an employee assaults a guest, both the individual and the hotel may be held accountable for negligent hiring, training, or retention.
Security Gaps: Broken Locks, Missing Cameras, or Key Card Access Failures
Even the most luxurious properties can become dangerous when basic safety systems fail. Broken door locks, malfunctioning key card systems, and missing surveillance cameras are frequent contributors to assaults. We work with security experts to determine whether these preventable issues created conditions that enabled the attacker.
Liability for Negligent Hiring or Retention of Staff With Criminal Records
Nevada law allows victims to hold hotels accountable when they hire or retain staff with known criminal histories that pose a risk to guests. Our investigations often reveal inadequate screening procedures or ignored warnings about employee misconduct. Holding corporations accountable for these decisions promotes safer hiring practices industry-wide.
What Is Negligent Security? Common Failures by Hotels and Casinos
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim focused on the failure to provide adequate protection against foreseeable criminal activity. Hotels and casinos, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Las Vegas Strip, have a heightened responsibility to ensure guest safety. When they ignore that duty, the results can be catastrophic.
Inadequate Lighting and Unmonitored Entrances
Dimly lit corridors, parking garages, and exterior walkways conceal dangers and make it easier for predators to act without being seen. Adequate lighting is a basic security measure that hotels must provide. Failing to install or maintain lighting systems is one of the most common forms of negligence in assault-related cases.
Nonfunctional or Missing Security Cameras (CCTV)
Cameras serve as both a deterrent and an investigative tool. When hotels neglect to install or maintain surveillance systems, assaults can go unrecorded and unprevented. Our firm routinely requests and analyzes CCTV footage to determine whether cameras were working properly at the time of an attack or if footage was deleted or lost.
Failure to Respond to Prior Incidents or Guest Complaints
Many hotel assaults occur after repeated safety warnings have gone unheeded. Prior incidents—whether thefts, harassment, or previous assaults—create a duty for management to strengthen security measures. We review incident reports and employee communications to show whether the hotel ignored warning signs that could have prevented the crime.
Lack of Security Personnel or Emergency Protocols
Large hotels and casinos often rely on security teams to patrol public spaces and respond to emergencies. When understaffing, poor training, or lack of coordination lead to delayed responses, guests remain unprotected. We evaluate staffing records, training manuals, and dispatch logs to determine whether negligence played a role in the hotel’s failure to prevent or respond to the attack.
Proving Your Case: How to Establish Hotel Liability
Establishing liability in a hotel sexual assault case requires evidence that connects the hotel’s negligence to the harm suffered. Our firm handles every step of this process with confidentiality and care, ensuring that survivors’ privacy is respected while building the strongest possible case.
Collecting Evidence: Police Reports, Medical Records, and Incident Logs
Evidence is essential in any civil claim. Police reports, medical documentation, and hotel incident logs create a factual record of what occurred. We obtain copies of these materials quickly to preserve details that could fade or be lost. Medical evaluations, such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exams, provide professional documentation of injuries and timing.
Obtaining Surveillance and Key Card Data Before It’s Lost
Security footage and key card access records can demonstrate how an attacker entered restricted areas or gained access to a room. Unfortunately, hotels sometimes overwrite or delete this data within days. Our attorneys issue preservation requests immediately to prevent destruction of critical digital evidence.
Expert Testimony on Security Standards and Industry Protocols
Security professionals can explain how a hotel failed to meet the accepted standard of care. These experts review policies, staffing levels, and facility layouts to determine whether the property’s security was consistent with industry expectations. Their testimony helps establish a clear connection between the hotel’s shortcomings and the assault that occurred.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Hotel Assault?
Responsibility for a hotel assault may extend beyond the immediate perpetrator. Nevada law allows survivors to pursue claims against any party whose negligence contributed to the unsafe environment that enabled the attack.
Hotel or Casino Ownership and Management
The entity that owns or manages the hotel is typically the primary defendant in a civil claim. Owners and managers are responsible for implementing security measures, maintaining property safety, and responding to prior incidents. If they failed to do so, they can be held financially liable for resulting injuries.
Third-Party Security or Maintenance Companies
Many hotels outsource security and maintenance to third-party vendors. When these contractors fail to perform their duties—such as patrolling designated areas or repairing broken doors—they share responsibility for guest harm. We investigate contracts and performance records to identify all negligent parties.
Employees or Contractors Who Contributed to Negligence
If an employee’s conduct or inaction allowed an assault to occur, they may also face liability. This includes situations where staff ignored guest reports, gave out room information improperly, or failed to follow emergency protocols.
Compensation Available to Survivors of Hotel Sexual Assault
Civil lawsuits cannot undo the trauma caused by an assault, but they can help survivors recover the resources needed for healing and rebuild their sense of justice. Nevada law allows victims to pursue compensation for both financial and emotional losses caused by a hotel’s negligence.
Medical Expenses and Psychological Treatment Costs
Survivors of sexual assault often require immediate and long-term medical care. Compensation may cover emergency services, SANE exams, follow-up appointments, and any necessary procedures related to injuries sustained. Many survivors also need ongoing therapy or counseling to process the emotional impact of trauma. We include these treatment costs in full, ensuring that your claim reflects both immediate and future care needs.
Lost Wages and Long-Term Emotional Impact
An assault can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life, including employment. Survivors may miss work for medical appointments, therapy sessions, or recovery time. In some cases, trauma may make it difficult to return to the same job or career path. We work with economists and mental health professionals to quantify both lost wages and diminished earning capacity, ensuring these losses are fully addressed in your case.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress Damages
The emotional pain associated with sexual assault extends far beyond the initial event. Survivors may experience depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nevada law allows compensation for these non-economic damages to acknowledge the profound psychological effects that accompany physical harm.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence or Willful Misconduct
When a hotel’s actions or inactions demonstrate extreme disregard for guest safety—such as ignoring prior assaults or failing to repair known security issues—punitive damages may apply. These damages are designed to punish reckless behavior and deter other corporations from making the same mistakes. While punitive awards are not automatic, our firm carefully evaluates whether they are appropriate based on the evidence.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Assault at a Hotel
After an assault, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Every survivor’s situation is unique, but a few key steps can help protect both your safety and your future legal rights. Our firm provides guidance at every stage, ensuring that you remain supported and informed.
Get to a Safe Location and Contact Law Enforcement
Your safety is the top priority. Move to a secure area away from the attacker and call 911 as soon as possible. Officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department or local authorities will respond to the scene. When they arrive, provide a clear and honest account of what happened. You do not need to share every detail immediately—simply enough for the police to begin their investigation.
Seek Immediate Medical Care and a SANE Exam
Medical attention is critical, both for your health and as part of the evidentiary process. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) can perform an exam that documents injuries and collects physical evidence for use in a criminal or civil case. You can request that this exam be completed even if you are unsure whether you want to pursue charges at that time.
Preserve Evidence (Clothing, Communications, Key Card Logs)
Avoid showering or changing clothes until after medical personnel have advised you, as doing so may destroy important evidence. Keep items such as clothing, text messages, and hotel key cards that could support your case. If possible, write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and descriptions. Our attorneys issue formal evidence preservation letters to prevent the hotel from deleting key card or surveillance records.
Consult a Sexual Assault Lawyer Before Speaking to Insurers or the Hotel
Hotels and insurance companies often contact survivors quickly to gather statements or offer settlements. Before responding, speak with a lawyer who understands sexual assault and negligent security claims. Anything you say to insurers or hotel representatives could later be used to minimize liability. Our firm communicates directly with these entities on your behalf to protect your privacy and strengthen your claim.
Statute of Limitations and Privacy Considerations
Taking legal action should never feel rushed, but it is important to understand Nevada’s time limits and confidentiality options. State law provides survivors with specific rights designed to protect both their identity and their ability to seek justice.
Nevada’s Statute of Limitations for Civil Sexual Assault Claims
Under NRS 11.190, survivors generally have two years from the date of an assault to file a civil claim. However, exceptions exist for certain cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injury. Because every case is different, it is best to consult an attorney as soon as possible to determine the applicable deadlines. Prompt action also helps preserve evidence and secure witness testimony before it becomes unavailable.
How Survivor Identity Protection Works in Civil Proceedings
Nevada courts allow survivors of sexual assault to use initials or pseudonyms to protect their identities in public records. This practice shields personal information while still allowing the case to proceed. We handle every step of the process confidentially, filing motions when necessary to ensure your privacy is respected.
Filing Confidentially and Using Initials or Pseudonyms in Court Records
Our firm understands that privacy is a central concern for many survivors. When filing a claim, we can request sealed records, private hearings, or limited disclosure of identifying information. These measures help ensure that you maintain control over your story while pursuing accountability.
How Drummond Law Firm Fights for Survivors
Pursuing justice after an assault requires both courage and trust in your legal team. At Drummond Law Firm, we combine compassion with disciplined representation to ensure that survivors receive the support and advocacy they deserve.
Comprehensive Investigations and Evidence Preservation
We begin each case by conducting an independent investigation. This includes reviewing police reports, hotel records, and surveillance footage to determine where safety protocols failed. We also issue legal holds to prevent hotels or corporate defendants from destroying critical evidence.
Collaboration With Security, Medical, and Forensic Experts
Our firm works with experienced professionals who can explain exactly how the hotel’s negligence contributed to the assault. Security experts review staffing and patrol schedules, medical specialists describe the physical and psychological impact, and forensic consultants analyze digital or physical evidence.
Aggressive Litigation Against Negligent Hotel Corporations
When settlement discussions fail to provide fair compensation, we are prepared to take cases to court. Our litigation team builds comprehensive arguments that hold hotel owners, managers, and security contractors accountable for their role in failing to protect guests.
Compassionate, Confidential Legal Support Throughout the Process
We recognize that legal proceedings can feel overwhelming. Our attorneys and staff provide ongoing communication, emotional sensitivity, and confidentiality from start to finish. Every decision is made with your consent and comfort in mind.
Craig Drummond: A Veteran Leader and Trusted Trial Lawyer
Craig W. Drummond’s leadership and background as a U.S. Army Captain shape the values and professionalism of our firm. He approaches every case with focus, preparation, and integrity. Survivors trust his steady, ethical guidance in even the most sensitive matters.
Former U.S. Army Captain and Bronze Star Recipient
Craig Drummond’s military service taught him discipline, accountability, and courage under pressure—qualities that continue to define his legal career. These principles guide how we approach cases that demand both discretion and determination.
Recognized Among Nevada’s Top 100 Lawyers by MyVegas Magazine
Craig Drummond has been recognized among Nevada’s Top 100 Lawyers for his commitment to ethical advocacy and his success representing victims in complex litigation. His reputation for preparation and compassion ensures that every client receives attentive, thorough representation.
Dedicated to Serving Survivors With Integrity, Courage, and Confidentiality
Our firm is built on the belief that justice should be accessible, respectful, and survivor-focused. We stand beside our clients at every stage of the process, offering not just legal representation but also support and understanding.
Contact Drummond Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation
You are not alone. If you or a loved one experienced sexual assault or other violence in a Nevada hotel or casino, you have legal options. Drummond Law Firm provides confidential, no-cost consultations to help you understand your rights and the steps toward accountability.
Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer questions, guide you through the process, and help you make informed decisions about your case. All consultations are private, and there are no upfront fees for our services.
Contact Drummond Law Firm at 702-CAPTAIN or contact us online for a confidential consultation with an experienced hotel sexual assault lawyer in Las Vegas. Our team will handle your case with discretion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to justice and survivor dignity.