Live Nation was among those named in five lawsuits filed by hundreds of Las Vegas shooting victims in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday.
More than 50 people were killed and hundreds injured when Stephen Paddock opened fire on music fans at the Route 91 Festival from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel on October 1.
Those being sued in connection with the attack include Live Nation, the organiser of the Route 91 Festival; MGM Resorts International, the owner of the Mandalay Bay resort; and the estate of Paddock.
One of the largest suits names 450 plaintiffs, with victims claiming negligence by both MGM and Live Nation.
The suit claims that Live Nation failed to provide enough exits or properly trained employees “in case of a foreseeable event, such as a terrorist attack or other emergency.”
MGM is being accused of not having adequate security policies, not properly training staff, not properly surveilling the premises, and failing to respond quickly when security guard Jesus Campos was shot.
In addition, the suit alleges that Paddock’s VIP status as a high-stakes gambler gave him access to a service elevator at the Mandalay Bay, which he used to stockpile weapons and ammunition in the days before the shooting. His estate is being sued for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Muhammad Aziz, the attorney heading the lawsuits, told Reuters that the cases were filed in California because most of the plaintiffs are from that state and received treatment there. He also noted that Live Nation is based in the state.
“The evidence we’ve seen thus far clearly indicates that the defendants were culpable in contributing to the 58 victims who lost their lives and the thousands more still suffering from severe injuries that will take years to overcome, if ever,” said attorney Antonio Romanucci in a press release. He is also lead counsel in lawsuits related to the 2016 shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub.
A different law firm last week filed 14 suits in Nevada court, which additionally named the manufacturers of the bump stock devices found in Paddock’s hotel suite.
Live Nation told NPR that it does not typically comment on ongoing litigation.
MGM wrote in a statement to NPR: “The incident that took place on October 1 was a terrible tragedy perpetrated by an evil man. These kinds of lawsuits are not unexpected and we intend to defend ourselves against them. That said, out of respect for the victims, we will give our response through the appropriate legal channels.”
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