Las Vegas is known across the country as the place where people can go a little bit wild and blow off some steam. Sometimes, this can lead to a great vacation and some even better stories (that may or may not actually be allowed to be told). However, that same spirit can also lead to some pretty weird accidents when people are out on the town.
Getting Shafted
Everyone who comes to Las Vegas hopes that their luck will hold out. However, sometimes when a person’s luck turns, it turns hard. A 70-year-old man was walking near the Tropicana Casino when he stepped onto a grate that was placed over a ventilation shaft. Unfortunately, the grate was weakened and gave way, sending him tumbling 20 feet into the shaft. His luck was not all bad though. He ended up escaping the fall with only minor injuries, putting a bad run at the craps table in perspective.
Don’t Mess with ‘Straya
Members of a male dance revue, Thunder from Down Under, were surprised to discover an armed man ransacking their dressing rooms. However, the group of well-muscled men proved more than a match for him, subduing the would-be thief. Although, one dancer did suffer a minor injury from a gunshot wound to the face.
The Dangers of Standup Comedy
Even comedians in Las Vegas are not safe from some of the unusual dangers in the city. George Wallace was performing on stage at the Bellagio, when his leg got tangled in an electrical wire. He ended up suffering severe injuries to his Achilles tendon. While the medical costs were only $8,500, he ended up with a jury verdict of over $1.2 million after emotional suffering and lost wages were calculated.
The MGM Fire
One of the biggest injuries on the list happened at the Bally’s Hotel and Casino, back when it was still the MGM Grand. At the time, local fire codes did not require the building to have a sprinkler system installed on its lower floors based on the theory that any fire would be quickly spotted and put out. Unfortunately, that was not the case. In 1980, a fire spread quickly, engulfing most of the casino area before it could be put out, resulting in hundreds of injuries.
Harry Reid’s Exercise Bands
A more recent injury struck a famous Nevada politician. Senator Harry Reid, then-senate majority leader was working out using a set of exercise bands. Unfortunately, the bands snapped, sending the senator tumbling, resulting multiple broken bones across his ribs and face.
The Luxor Ghosts
This injury is less weird for the injury itself, and more for the local legend it spawned. It is believed that three construction workers lost their lives during the building of the Luxor hotel in various accidents. What makes it strange is that ever since the pyramid’s construction, guests have reported continued sighting of the workers roaming the building’s halls.
Softball Comeback
Not everyone injured in Las Vegas hurts themselves on the strip. A man was playing in a softball tournament, when an aluminum bat slipped out of another player’s hands, sailed over 40 feet, and ended up hitting the man in the head. The freak accident left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak at first, but he has since been on the road to a steady recovery.
Harassed by Ashton Kutcher
This injury is limited to emotional harm, but a famous face puts it on the list. A couple returned to their Las Vegas hotel room only to discover a dead body on the bed, covered in blood. Following the natural emotional reaction, Ashton Kutcher stepped into the room to reveal that they were being filmed for his TV show “Harassment,” which went on to become “Punk’d.” Unsurprisingly, the couple sued MTV for emotional distress.
Acrobatic Injuries
As expected, this list also includes a Cirque du Soleil acrobat, a profession known for daring physical feats. The act involved suspending the woman 50 feet over the stage via remote-controlled wires. Unfortunately, in this instance, something went wrong with the performance, and the wire plummeted, resulting in a fatal fall.
Evander Holyfield’s Ear
No list of bizarre Las Vegas injuries would be complete without a mention of the Tyson-Holyfield fight. The famous match only lasted three round after Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield on not one but both of his ears at two separate points in the match, tearing off an inch of his cartilage.
Evenbizarre accidents can lead to serious injuries. If you have been hurt and want to learn more about your legal rights, contact aLas Vegas personal injury attorney at the Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas today through our website or by phone at 702-252-0055.
