A stand-up comic will receive $1.3 million from a Las Vegas hotel and casino where he suffered a leg injury during a 2007 performance. The Grio reports that 61-year-old George Wallace, a comedian known for his friendship and professional relationship with comic and television star Jerry Seinfeld, has seen a 2-week hearing end in his favor, after testifying about the injury that left him permanently hobbled.
Wallace was performing at a private corporate event, sponsored by HSBC Card Services, Inc., at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip when his Achilles tendon ruptured. The injury was caused when his foot became tangled in loose electrical wiring onstage. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the comedian filed lawsuits against both the Bellagio and HSBC soon after the incident, and had received an undisclosed settlement from HSBC.
The Bellagio, however, denied that either the hotel or its employees were responsible for the accident, reports The Grio.
In the lawsuit, Wallace accused the Bellagio of negligence, and sought damages of several million dollars for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. The entertainer had undergone surgery and physical therapy following the 2007 accident, but did not learn until 2009 that his disability would be permanent.
Meanwhile, reported the Review-Journal, Wallace had been forced to cancel several nightly performances at the Flamingo, a Nevada club where he had headlined for the past decade, and also had to turn down a movie role because of the injury.
The lawsuit against the Bellagio was filed in November 2009, but was not settled quickly. An attorney for the hotel and casino said in a statement that they intended to prove Wallace had a pre-existing injury, which led to the rupturing of his Achilles tendon. Additionally, the attorney stated, Wallace had already approved the stage setup during a sound check several hours prior to the events.
Wallace testified that he could not see the black cables, due to spotlights shining in his eyes.
If you or a loved one is considering a personal injury or negligence lawsuit, Reno personal injury lawyer Matthew L. Sharp can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our firm today to discuss the details of your case.
NOTE: Mr. Sharp is not handling the case mentioned in this news article.