Personal injury suits at casinos handled in tribal court system

Tuesday, November 22, 2011  

Patrons who are injured at tribal casinos in Arizona must go through the tribal court system.

Sharyn Nesbitt fell in a hole at the casino owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. She filed an insurance claim, which was denied, so she appealed to the tribal court, where she lost her case.

Anthony Callipari was hit in the head by a serving tray at a casino owned by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. He also went to tribal court but said he had difficulty in the system.

In at least two other states -- Oklahoma and New Mexico -- the courts have ruled that Class III gaming compacts allow certain claims to be heard in state court.

Get the Story:
What happens if you file a claim against a casino in Arizona? (ABC15 11/22)