Jurors recently reached a verdict in a suit filed against a Waterloo, Iowa casino by local patron Montana Gunhus. He first filed the lawsuit after he claimed he was attacked by another patron during a fight that occurred in January 2021 while visiting the Isle of Capri Black Hawk County.
The jury awarded Gunhus $1.73m in total damages. The amount awarded included $550,000 for future loss of full mind and body, $32,314 for past medical expenses, $50,000 for past loss of mind and body, as well as past and future punitive damages of $100,000 and $1m respectively.
Another $45,000 was awarded to Gunhus for “loss of parent consortium” for his three children, which broke down to $15,000 apiece.
Gunhun’s attorney, Jordan Talsma, had originally asked the jury to award $1.98m in damages. He argued that the casino was responsible because staff members had not attempted to break up the fight.
“The casino was gambling with the public’s safety,” he said. “They will take your money, but they won’t protect you.”
According to Gunhus’ testimony, he “found a players club card belonging to Damond Williams’ wife inside a slot machine at the Isle Casino. He began using the card, spending $100 in fan play credits.”
Williams had reported the card was missing. Casino staff traced where it had last been used and found Gunhus in possession of the card. Williams then attacked Gunhus from behind and knocked him to the ground after punching and kicking him.
The fight lasted 25 seconds, and Williams punched and kicked Gunhus a total of 15 times. Gunhus sustained several facial fractures and was left blind in his right eye.
Williams is facing criminal charges for the attack.
