A Classic Vegas Icon and a Reminder That History Comes with Responsibility
Few places in Las Vegas capture the spirit of “Old Vegas” quite like the El Cortez Hotel & Casino. Open since 1941, it’s the city’s oldest continuously operating casino, a place where the neon still glows with mid-century charm and the atmosphere recalls a simpler time in Las Vegas history. Nestled along Fremont Street’s east end, El Cortez remains proudly independent, attracting loyal locals, nostalgic tourists, and visitors seeking an authentic, adults-only experience that feels miles away from the megaresorts of the Strip.
But behind the vintage signage and wood-paneled walls lies a legal truth that every guest should understand: historic doesn’t mean exempt from safety laws.
At Shook & Stone, we’ve represented countless clients whose long-anticipated Vegas getaway ended abruptly due to unsafe property conditions, from slips and falls to security lapses at hotels that should have known better. When an older property like El Cortez fails to maintain its premises to modern safety standards, injuries aren’t just accidents. They’re preventable acts of negligence.
Whether your injury occurred in one of the original 1941 hotel rooms, the remodeled Tower or Cabana Suites, or on the bustling casino floor, our team of experienced Las Vegas premises liability attorneys can help you pursue justice and fair compensation.
Historic Property Liability: Vintage Charm, Modern Responsibility
El Cortez wears its history proudly and rightfully so. Designated as a registered historic place in Nevada, the property represents a cherished link to Las Vegas’ past. But while that status adds to its charm, it does not lessen the legal duty of care the hotel owes to every guest.
Under Nevada premises liability law, all hotels, casinos, and hospitality venues, whether built in 1941 or 2024, must maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. That means regular inspections, timely repairs, adequate lighting, and the prompt removal or warning of any hazardous condition.
In legal terms, “historic” is a marketing theme, not a legal defense. A cracked tile that’s “authentic” is still dangerous. A staircase that’s “original” must still have secure railings. A leaky pipe in an old wall can’t be ignored simply because it’s been there for decades.
At Shook & Stone, we’ve handled claims where guests were injured in properties that had undergone only superficial upgrades like fresh paint and new carpets over creaking subfloors, or modern light fixtures wired into outdated electrical systems. These “patchwork” renovations often mask the real dangers beneath the surface.
Common Age-Related Hazards in a Historic Casino
Older properties require constant vigilance. The sheer passage of time brings with it unique risks that can turn a nostalgic stay into a serious injury. At the El Cortez, those risks can emerge in any part of the property, from its original vintage hotel rooms to the casino floor, hallways, or Siegel’s 1941 restaurant.
Worn and Uneven Flooring
Decades of foot traffic can wear down even the most resilient surfaces. Guests have reported uneven tiles, loose carpeting, or warped subfloors that can easily catch a foot or twist an ankle. When lighting is dim, as it often is to preserve ambiance, those hazards become even harder to spot.
Old Plumbing and Leaks
Leaking pipes or outdated plumbing fixtures are common in historic hotels. When water seeps onto tile or laminate flooring, it can create invisible slick spots that lead to devastating slip and fall injuries.
Faulty Wiring and Outdated Fixtures
Older wiring systems weren’t built for modern electrical loads. Faulty circuits can cause lighting outages, exposed wires, or malfunctioning outlets, all of which present hazards to guests. In some cases, a lack of adequate lighting contributes to falls, particularly in stairways or corridors.
Aging Furniture and Structural Weakness
Vintage furniture and fixtures may look charming, but when a chair collapses or a handrail gives way, charm becomes liability. A property’s history does not absolve it from regularly inspecting and replacing worn-out items that could injure guests.
Code Compliance During Renovations
Whenever El Cortez renovates, those upgrades must meet modern building and safety codes. If they don’t, and a guest is hurt because of outdated or unsafe design, the hotel can be held fully responsible for that negligence.
For example, replacing flooring without correcting old uneven foundations or neglecting to install proper safety lighting in remodeled hallways may create foreseeable hazards that expose the property to liability.
The Adults-Only Environment: Heightened Duty of Care
El Cortez’s 21+ policy sets it apart from family-friendly casinos. It creates an atmosphere geared toward adults seeking gaming, dining, and drinking without the distractions of a family resort. But this adults-only environment also brings heightened risks and responsibilities.
Alcohol service plays a major role in the casino’s culture, from Siegel’s 1941 bar to the gaming tables and lounges. Nevada law holds property owners and managers accountable for maintaining reasonable control and security in environments where alcohol is served.
That means:
Adequate security personnel in all guest-accessible areas.
Responsible alcohol service policies to avoid overserving visibly intoxicated guests.
Sufficient lighting and surveillance to deter altercations or prevent falls.
Prompt cleanup of spills or broken glass.
A casino that markets itself as an adult venue must take proactive steps to protect guests who may be impaired or more vulnerable to accidents. If Harrah’s, Caesars, or MGM must manage risk in their nightclubs, so must a smaller, historic property like El Cortez.
When security fails to intervene in a heated dispute, or when staff ignore hazards because “that’s just part of the atmosphere,” the property may be liable for negligent security or failure to protect patrons under Nevada law.
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Common Types of Injuries & Accidents at El Cortez
The injuries seen at historic properties like El Cortez often stem from preventable, maintenance-related issues or inadequate oversight.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slippery floors from leaks, drink spills, or inadequate cleaning protocols can lead to serious falls, especially on older flooring where surfaces have lost traction over time.
Trip and Fall Accidents
Uneven transitions between the original 1940s flooring and newer remodeled areas can cause tripping hazards. Loose carpeting in hallways or cracked tiles in bathrooms are especially dangerous in low-light conditions.
Negligent Security
While the adults-only environment promotes exclusivity, it also demands greater vigilance. Insufficient security in parking areas, elevators, or secluded hallways can lead to preventable assaults or thefts. Casinos are responsible for anticipating foreseeable risks in their environment.
Defective or Unsafe Furniture
Vintage seating and décor can pose hazards when not properly maintained. Collapsing chairs, wobbly tables, or unstable fixtures can cause falls or impact injuries.
Foodborne Illness
Siegel’s 1941, the property’s signature restaurant, continues the El Cortez’s legacy of classic Vegas dining. However, even established venues can cause foodborne illnesses if food safety protocols aren’t properly followed.
When maintenance or safety inspections are neglected, even minor oversights can result in long-term consequences for guests, from broken bones and back injuries to lasting emotional trauma.
El Cortez-Specific Legal Considerations
From a legal perspective, El Cortez presents a unique blend of old-world charm and modern liability. Its historic status and independent ownership distinguish it from the large corporate casinos managed by Caesars, MGM, or Wynn.
This independence means the hotel has direct control over its maintenance, staffing, and safety procedures, and the responsibility for any negligence falls squarely on its ownership.
The Epstein family, which has owned and operated the property for decades, maintains deep institutional knowledge of the building’s structure, repairs, and upkeep. In a lawsuit, that history becomes key evidence. Plaintiffs’ attorneys can subpoena records showing when hazards were first reported, what repairs were made, and whether any recurring problems were ignored.
Importantly, El Cortez must provide the same standard of care across all its room types. Whether you stay in one of the original 1941 vintage rooms or a modern Cabana Suite, the law doesn’t allow different safety standards for nostalgia versus luxury.
If you were injured because of unsafe conditions in an older section of the hotel, the property’s age is no defense. In fact, it can be evidence of negligent maintenance, a long-term failure to address known issues.
What To Do Immediately After an Injury at El Cortez
If you suffer an injury at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino, taking swift and strategic action can make all the difference in your ability to recover compensation.
Seek immediate medical attention. Even minor injuries can worsen over time, and medical records will provide vital evidence of your condition.
Report the incident to hotel management or security. Request that they complete an official incident report and insist on obtaining a copy.
Document everything. Take clear photos and videos of the hazardous condition, for example, a worn carpet edge, a leaking pipe, or a broken step. These details are crucial, especially in a property with aged or inconsistent infrastructure.
Gather witness information. If anyone saw the accident occur, collect their names and contact details.
Preserve any physical evidence. Keep the shoes, clothing, or personal items involved in the accident they can show the severity of the incident or the presence of hazardous substances.
Avoid signing any paperwork or giving recorded statements to El Cortez staff, insurers, or attorneys without first consulting your own legal counsel.
Contact a qualified premises liability lawyer at Shook & Stone as soon as possible. Prompt representation allows your attorney to secure surveillance footage (often erased within days) and preserve evidence before it’s lost.
Your safety and rights come first, not the casino’s reputation.
Why Choose Shook & Stone for an El Cortez Case
For many decades, Shook & Stone has fought for victims of negligence across Las Vegas, from the Strip’s largest luxury resorts to the city’s most historic hotels downtown.
Our attorneys have deep experience handling negligent maintenance and property liability cases, including those involving older or independently owned establishments like the El Cortez.
When you hire Shook & Stone, you get:
Expertise in historic property claims. We understand how to investigate long-standing maintenance issues, evaluate compliance with modern codes, and hold owners accountable for ignoring safety updates.
A proven record against independent operators. We’ve successfully represented clients against both large corporations and privately held casinos.
Local insight. Our team lives and works in Las Vegas, we know every corner of Fremont Street and the challenges posed by aging properties in the desert climate.
No upfront costs. We work on a contingency basis, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Respect for your experience. Whether you’re a longtime El Cortez guest or a first-time visitor, your case deserves to be treated with the same seriousness as any major resort injury.
Our commitment is simple: age is not an excuse for negligence.
Time Limits for Filing an El Cortez Injury Lawsuit
In Nevada, most personal injury and premises liability claims must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to recover compensation.
However, time-sensitive evidence like surveillance footage or maintenance logs may disappear much sooner. That’s why contacting a lawyer immediately after your injury is critical.
Shook & Stone’s team can quickly issue preservation demands to ensure El Cortez’s management does not destroy or “lose” evidence that could prove your claim.
If you’re unsure whether you still have time to file, our free consultation can provide immediate guidance on your rights and options.
Speak With an El Cortez Injury Lawyer Today!
The El Cortez stands as a living piece of Las Vegas history but the same walls that hold nostalgia can also hide danger when safety is neglected. If you or a loved one were injured at this iconic downtown property, don’t let its vintage charm overshadow your rights.
At Shook & Stone, we believe every guest deserves protection under the law. Our attorneys know how to investigate historic properties, expose unsafe conditions, and hold negligent owners accountable.
Free Consultation: Discuss Your El Cortez Injury with Our Historic Property Lawyers. Call Us today (702)570-0000 or fill out our secure online form to get started.
Injured at a Historic Las Vegas Casino? Age is Not an Excuse for Negligence. Call Shook & Stone 24/7.
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