A Classic Riverside Landmark, Modern Legal Rights: Injured at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort? Guests Can Fight Back!

There is a special kind of nostalgia that surrounds Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino, a feeling that mixes Nevada history, desert, and the unmistakable charm of a river town built on one man’s dream. Guests still arrive here with the expectation of a warm welcome, generous hospitality, and a slower pace than the nonstop intensity of Las Vegas. People come for the classic car museum, the friendly casino floor, the bowling alley, the movie theater, the RV Park filled with seasonal travelers, and the unique privilege of staying at the first casino ever built in Laughlin. They come to relax by the Colorado River and step into a piece of living Nevada history. 

But no matter how beloved a casino may be, there is a legal responsibility to keep its guests safe. The Riverside Resort is historic, but under Nevada law, it must meet the same modern safety standards as any newly built casino. When hazards are overlooked, when maintenance falls behind, when docks are unsafe, or when riverfront operations are not properly supervised, accidents can occur in an instant, turning a peaceful getaway into a frightening emergency. Families who traveled for miles find themselves dealing with painful injuries, unexpected medical costs, and overwhelming stress that disrupts everything they came to enjoy. 

Here at Shook and Stone, we understand how deeply upsetting an injury at the Riverside Resort can be, especially for older guests, RV travelers, and families who return year after year. Many of our clients have cherished memories of Laughlin and feel betrayed when a preventable hazard ruins their stay. When a casino fails in its duty to protect its guests, Nevada law provides a path toward justice. No one expects danger at a place they trusted, and no one should navigate the aftermath alone. 

A Landmark Built on History, Still Responsible for Modern Safety 

Over the decades, the Riverside grew from a modest operation to a sprawling resort with two hotel towers, a massive casino floor, multiple dining venues, entertainment spaces, and rare amenities like a classic car museum and a bowling alley. Every addition expanded the property and deepened its connection to the community. 

Yet with growth comes responsibility. The Riverside’s age makes maintenance both critical and continuous. Older plumbing, aging electrical systems, worn carpets, uneven flooring, and longstanding infrastructure all require vigilant inspection. The two hotel towers, each with thousands of guests coming and going throughout the year, must be kept in good condition. Hallways, elevators, stairwells, and common areas need regular upkeep to remain safe. When maintenance lags or wear is ignored, hazards accumulate quickly. 

Historic charm is never an excuse for a property not complying with modern safety laws. In fact, older buildings demand greater attention. Plumbing leaks can create hidden slip risks. Uneven carpeting or warped floorboards can catch elderly guests off guard. Lighting may be dimmer in older corridors, making it harder to see tripping hazards. The Riverside is responsible for updating and maintaining all areas to ensure they meet today’s safety expectations, not those of decades past. 

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The Colorado River Frontage: Extra Beauty, Extra Risk, Extra Liability 

What sets the Riverside apart from most Nevada casinos is not only its history but its prime riverfront access. Guests come for boat trips, water taxis, fishing experiences, and the simple pleasure of walking along the river while the sun sets on the Colorado River. The river is the heart of Laughlin’s identity, and the Riverside built much of its appeal around offering direct access to it. 

But with river access comes risks that most casinos will never face. Wet surfaces, unstable docks, shifting water levels, unsteady ramps, and outdoor pathways all create unique hazards that must be addressed aggressively under Nevada law. 

Docks and ramps are naturally prone to moisture, algae, sand, and water displacement from boats. Surfaces become slippery even with light moisture. Handrails must be secure and well maintained. Non-slip coatings must be applied regularly. Lighting must be sufficient for early morning and nighttime use. Ramps connecting docks to riverwalk pathways must be stable, clearly marked, and safe for guests of all ages, including the many seniors who visit Laughlin every winter. 

If the Riverside fails to maintain these essential safety features, injuries can occur. Guests slip on wet boards, fall on unmarked ramps, trip on uneven transitions between pathways and dock surfaces, or lose balance due to the instability created by rising or falling water levels. These accidents are not rare. They are foreseeable hazards of riverfront casinos, which means the Riverside has a heightened obligation to protect guests from them. 

The water taxi service and the USS Riverside sightseeing boat introduce additional liabilities. Boarding and disembarking boats require steady surfaces, attentive crew members, and secure docking procedures. Many injuries occur during these short moments. An elderly guest may lose balance stepping from the boat to the dock. A child may slip on a wet ramp. Crew members may fail to provide support or instructions. If docking positions are not properly stabilized, the boat may shift unexpectedly, causing abrupt movement under passengers’ feet. These incidents can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or severe sprains. 

Under Nevada law, maritime-style accidents in casino environments fall under premises liability when caused by unsafe docks, improper supervision, or inadequate maintenance. The Riverside does not escape responsibility because the hazard is related to the river or boating. If a property invites guests onto docks, boats, or water taxi ramps, the property is fully responsible for maintaining those areas safely. 

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RV Park Injuries: A Unique Risk for Seasonal Travelers 

One of the Riverside’s most distinctive features is its large RV Park, a magnet for snowbirds, retirees, and long-term travelers who return to Laughlin each season. RV Park guests expect safe lots, well maintained utility hookups, adequate lighting, and secure common areas. Yet the nature of RV parks introduces risks that differ from hotel tower operations. 

Uneven lot surfaces, poorly graded dirt, loose gravel, potholes, and cracked pavement can cause trips and falls. Electrical hookups must be properly maintained and free of defects. Water hookups must be secure to prevent leaks that create slippery conditions. Because many RV travelers are older adults, even a minor maintenance problem can cause a serious injury with long-term consequences. 

Security is also a concern in RV parks. Guests often move between their vehicles and the resort at night, carrying belongings, navigating dimly lit areas, or crossing long distances between the park and the main resort. When lighting is insufficient or security presence is low, risks increase. RV parks also attract visitors from outside the resort boundaries, creating opportunities for theft or altercations if security is not vigilant. 

Despite being physically separate from the main towers, the RV Park is part of the Riverside Resort. That means the same legal duties apply. If a guest is injured because lots were not adequately maintained, lighting was insufficient, or utilities were faulty, the property may be liable. 

Inside the Riverside: Casino, Dining, and Attraction Injuries 

The interior of the Riverside Resort offers a wide variety of spaces that must be kept safe, from the expansive casino floor to the dining venues and entertainment options. While many guests feel a sense of comfort in this longstanding, family-run casino, accidents can occur anywhere that maintenance, cleaning, or supervision falls short. 

Slip and fall accidents happen in casinos every day. Drinks spill on tile, carpets become uneven, food from buffet areas or dining halls ends up on the floor, and guests track moisture in from the river. The high volume of foot traffic, especially from seniors and families, means the Riverside must be vigilant about cleaning and inspections. A missed spill or unmarked hazard can cause a serious fall. 

The classic car museum, a favorite attraction for travelers, poses risks as well. Uneven flooring, dim lighting intended to highlight vehicles, or cluttered displays can contribute to tripping hazards. The property must ensure that pathways are clear and safe for all visitors. 

The bowling alley, a family-friendly highlight of the Riverside, must maintain its lanes, seating, rental equipment, and surrounding flooring. Bowling areas often involve spilled drinks, children running, worn carpeting, and slick shoes from bowling surfaces. Without proper supervision and frequent maintenance, injuries can occur quickly. 

The movie theater introduces additional challenges, including low-light conditions, narrow stairways, steep seating areas, and spilled concessions. Transition areas between bright hallways and dim theater interiors often catch guests off guard. 

In all of these venues, the Riverside is responsible for keeping the environment safe and responding promptly to hazards. When these duties are ignored, guests suffer. 

Negligent Security in a Riverfront Environment 

Laughlin has a quieter reputation than Las Vegas, but negligent security remains a real risk. Casinos attract visitors at all hours, and the Riverside’s large footprint, spanning two towers, a casino floor, an RV Park, and a riverfront walkway, requires consistent security presence. 

Security failures may include slow response times, insufficient patrols, lack of monitoring in stairwells or parking areas, poor lighting near entrances, or failure to control crowds during events or boat loading times. When security is inattentive or understaffed, guests may become victims of preventable harm. 

Under Nevada law, casinos must provide adequate security based on foreseeable risks. A property cannot claim surprise when dangers are inherent to its environment. If security protocols are not followed, the property may be liable. 

Independent Heritage Does Not Replace Responsibility 

The Riverside is a family-owned property, personally linked to Don Laughlin’s legacy. This ownership structure creates a unique situation, but it does not shield the resort from liability. Independent casinos must follow the same laws as corporate entities. Guests deserve the same safety standards whether they stay in a megaresort or a historic landmark. 

At Shook and Stone, we understand how to investigate claims involving independent operators. We know how to uncover maintenance failures, examine operational practices, and demand accountability from long-standing family-run properties when negligence occurs. 

Shook and Stone Has the Experience You Need 

Our attorneys have represented victims of hotel, casino, boat dock, and RV park injuries throughout Nevada for more than twenty-five years. We understand the unique risks of riverfront properties and historic resorts. We know how to secure evidence, interpret maintenance records, obtain surveillance footage, and uncover the truth behind preventable accidents. 

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery. 

Free Consultation: Discuss Your Laughlin Riverside Resort Injury With Our Attorneys 

If you or a loved one was injured at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort, on its river docks, in its RV Park, or anywhere on the property, you have rights. You do not need to navigate this alone. 

Contact Shook and Stone today for a free at (702) 570-0000 for a case evaluation. Our experienced Laughlin casino injury lawyers are available around the clock to help you take the next step. Visit us online and fill out a contact form. 

You trusted the Riverside Resort with your stay. Let Shook and Stone protect your future. 

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