MGM Resorts International has reached a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs involved in a class litigation relating to the 1 October 2017 shooting that saw 58 people killed when a gunman opened fire on a crowd of concertgoers from the 32nd-story window of his Mandalay Bay suite.
The settlement comes almost two years to the day since the tragic incident took place and 23 months since the original lawsuit was filed on behalf of 450 victims, alleging negligence on behalf of MGM by allowing the shooter onto its premises. MGM had responded by bringing a lawsuit of its own in July 2018 claiming it had no liability of its own due to a federal law known as the SAFETY Act which provides legal protection to companies in the wake of terrorist attacks.
However, in an overnight announcement, MGM said it has now reached a settlement with the legal team representing the victims and their families for a cash amount of between US$735 million and $800 million, “subject to and depending on the number of claimants who choose to participate in the settlement.”
It added that the process is expected to be completed by late 2020.
“Our goal has always been to resolve these matters so our community and the victims and their families can move forward in the healing process. This agreement with the Plaintiffs’ Counsel is a major step, and one that we hoped for a long time would be possible,” said MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO, Jim Murren. “We have always believed that prolonged litigation around these matters is in no one’s best interest. It is our sincere hope that this agreement means that scenario will be avoided.”
Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, both parties will dismiss and release all pending litigation. MGM stated in its announcement that the proposed settlement is not an admission of liability.
“Today’s agreement marks a milestone in the recovery process for the victims of the horrifying events of 1 October,” said Plaintiffs’ Counsel Robert Eglet. “While nothing will be able to bring back the lives lost or undo the horrors so many suffered on that day, this settlement will provide fair compensation for thousands of victims and their families.
“MGM Resorts is a valued member of the Las Vegas community and this settlement represents good corporate citizenship on their part. We believe that the terms of this settlement represent the best outcome for our clients and will provide the greatest good for those impacted by these events.”
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