Shocking Incident at Live! Casino: Woman Claims Sewage Pipe Burst Amidst Slot Play
In a bizarre and alarming incident, a woman from western Pennsylvania has filed a lawsuit after a sewage pipe burst while she was enjoying a day at Live! Casino, located at the Westmoreland Mall. The lawsuit details a traumatic experience that left Rita Romagnoli, accompanied by her husband Robert, facing serious health consequences and seeking legal redress for what they allege to be negligence on the part of the casino.
The Incident: A Day Turned Disastrous
On July 28, Rita Romagnoli was engaged in her favorite pastime—playing slot machines—when the unthinkable occurred. An overhead sewage pipe burst, allegedly drenching Rita in human fecal matter. According to multiple news reports, including the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and KDKA-TV, the shock of the incident was compounded by the immediate confusion of what had taken place.
Romagnoli, initially unaware of the extent of her exposure, went home, took a shower, and returned to the casino soon after. However, within a couple of days, her health took a drastic turn for the worse. She was hospitalized and diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, spending 15 excruciating days in the hospital, which her attorney, Joseph Hudock Jr., attributes directly to the incident at the casino.
Legal Action and Claims of Negligence
The lawsuit, filed in Westmoreland County, accuses Stadium Casino LLC, the operators of Live! Casino, of negligence. The couple is seeking $30,000 in damages, citing the distressing experience and serious health implications as justifications for their claim. Hudock described the situation as “very traumatizing,” emphasizing that it could have had fatal consequences for Romagnoli.
This incident raises questions about the safety measures in place at the casino, particularly concerning plumbing and maintenance protocols. Arkadiusz Bloniarz, a prominent personal injury attorney specializing in premises liability, notes that establishments have a duty to provide a safe environment for their patrons. If negligence can be proven, the casino may face significant legal implications.
A History of Issues?
Interestingly, Romagnoli’s encounter with the burst sewage pipe is not the first report of questionable liquid at the Live! Casino. Another unidentified woman shared her experience with KDKA, recalling an incident where "water came pouring down" on her while she was playing slots. She claimed that casino staff assured her that the liquid was just water, leaving her feeling unsettled about the reliability of these explanations.
The repeated nature of such incidents raises alarms and highlights potential lapses in safety protocols within the casino environment. Patrons expect to enjoy their gaming experience without the fear of hazardous situations arising from infrastructure failures.
Ongoing Health Concerns
While Romagnoli’s immediate hospitalization drew attention, her attorney has not elaborated on her long-term health prospects. The psychological impacts stemming from such a distressing experience may also warrant consideration. Health experts remind us that traumatic events can have lingering effects, both physically and mentally, on individuals—particularly those who have suffered from a sudden exposure to hazardous materials.
As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor not only the legal outcomes for Romagnoli and her husband but also any broader implications for safety and health protocols employed by casinos and similar establishments.
Conclusion
This shocking incident at Live! Casino serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in environments where we least expect them. With Rita Romagnoli’s lawsuit progressing through the courts, it raises essential questions about patrons’ rights and the responsibilities of businesses to ensure their safety and well-being. As this case continues, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on both the legal ramifications for the casino and the vital conversation about safety practices that protect the public in recreational spaces.
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