Orleans Casino Sued for Negligence Over Legionnaires’ Disease Death

Posted on: March 6, 2025, 03:47h. 

Last updated on: March 6, 2025, 03:51h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • Lawsuit filed by family of woman who died from Legionnaires’ disease shortly after visiting The Orleans during outbreak
  • Her apartment also showed traces of deadly Legionella bacteria 
  • Plaintiff’s holds both the casino and the owners of the apartment complex responsible 

A negligence lawsuit filed against The Orleans Hotel & Casino and the owners of a Las Vegas apartment complex alleges that both locations contributed to the death of a woman from Legionnaires’ disease.

Orleans Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Legionnaires’ disease, Bettinna Irene Brown-Morales
Las Vegas locals’ casino, The Orleans, was the source of a Legionnaires’ outbreak at the time Brown-Morales visited, according to public health officials. However, Legionella bacteria were also found at her apartment. Her relatives are holding both parties accountable. (Image: Orleans Hotel & Casino)

Bettinna Irene Brown-Morales developed symptoms of the disease in February 2023, shortly after a visit to the casino. On February 16, she was rushed to the hospital with acute respiratory failure and placed on a ventilator. Her condition deteriorated and she died on March 4, 2023.

Outbreak Linked to Orleans

Public health officials subsequently identified The Orleans as the source of a Legionnaires’ outbreak between December 16, 2022 and March 4, 2023. Additionally, black mold and Legionella bacteria were found in Brown-Morales’ apartment.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe lung infection with pneumonia-like symptoms. The bacteria responsible for the illness are naturally found in low concentrations in rivers and lakes and are typically innocuous.

However, when they infiltrate artificial water systems, such as air-conditioning units, fountains, or plumbing networks, they can multiply rapidly, potentially leading to severe illness and, in some cases, death.

Large buildings like casinos are particularly susceptible due to their extensive and complex plumbing systems where water can sit for long periods of time, allowing bacteria to fester.

The lawsuit was filed in Clark County District Court on behalf of the estate of Bettinna Irene Brown-Morales and her children. It names casino, along with Coast Hotels and Casinos, the Boyd Gaming subsidiary that operates The Orleans.

Also named are three limited liability companies that own The Harmon at 370, the apartment complex where Brown-Morales lived.

Widespread Negligence Alleged

The lawsuit accuses both of negligence, negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent retention, and negligent supervision.

“Defendants breached their duty by failing to properly maintain their respective properties and water systems, leading to the spread of Legionella and other harmful bacteria and fungi, and Decedent’s exposure to same,” it argues.

Defendants knew or should have known that their respective properties were in a hazardous condition prior to Decedent’s exposure but failed to warn visitors and residents, or to remedy the hazardous condition in a timely manner, resulting in countless people being exposed to Legionella and other harmful bacteria and fungi,” according to the complaint.

The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks compensation exceeding $15K for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental distress, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.