In a statement released on Thursday, MGM Resorts International announced that it has agreed to pay up to $800 million in settlement to victims of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. The settlement brings the case to a close after almost two years of inquiry into the issue of liability and negligence regarding Mandalay Bay, one of MGM’s portfolio hotels.
In the aftermath of the shooting, questions were raised about how the shooter Stephen Paddock had been able to stockpile weapons into his hotel room on the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay. He had then fired into the crowds of Route 91 Harvest Festival attendees, killing 58 people. Hundred others were injured. There have been no further editions of the festival.
On top of this, MGM sparked further anger by refusing any form of compensation. Specifically, it had called the shooting an “act of terrorism” in attempt to shield itself from liability. The settlement therefore comes as a good “[representation of] good corporate citizenship,” as lawyer Robert Eglet states. “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.”
The sum will settle lawsuits filed against the company, and will cover up to 4,500 people. That includes everything from death cases to those who have suffered from PTSD after the mass shooting. This comes directly after the two-year statute of limitations for filing new claims passed earlier this week. Going forward, an independent claims administrator will review medical bills and decide the exact amount each plaintiff will receive.
