Appeals court opens Choctaw Nation to casino suit

Friday, October 26, 2007  

The Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals on Thursday said the Choctaw Nation waived sovereign immunity under its gaming compact with the state.

Danny Dye says he was injured in an accident at the Choctaw Casino in Pocola. A shuttle driver hit him in the parking lot and he is suing for negligence, bodily injury and loss of companionship.

A lower court threw out the case but the appeals court said the compact "contains a clear and unequivocal waiver of sovereign immunity for certain tort claims," the Associated Press reported. The court said the tribe "expressed its intent to provide redress for injured patrons."

The tribe plans to appeal the ruling.

Get the Story:
Court rules couple can sue casino (The Tulsa World 10/26)
Couple get go-ahead to sue tribe (AP 10/26)
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