A Slot Chair Disaster at Hard Rock
Imagine hitting the slots at a glitzy casino, only to have your chair collapse, sending you crashing to the floor. That’s the nightmare George Powell says he lived through at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi on August 6, 2022. Now, the South Carolina man’s suing the Mississippi hotspot, alleging a defective slot chair caused serious injuries and emotional trauma. As reported by Casino.org on May 2, 2025, Powell’s lawsuit also targets chair maker Modern Gaming, claiming both failed to keep the casino safe. So, what happened, and why’s this lawsuit making waves?
This isn’t your average slip-and-fall case—it’s a tale of alleged negligence, a painful fall, and a fight for justice. With Hard Rock and Modern Gaming yet to respond, let’s unpack the drama and why it matters to casino-goers everywhere.
The Fall That Sparked a Lawsuit
A Business Trip Gone Wrong
Powell, from Denmark, South Carolina, was at Hard Rock Biloxi for a business meeting when he decided to try his luck at a slot machine. According to his lawsuit, filed in Harrison County’s Second Judicial Circuit Court on March 31, 2025, the chair he sat on gave way, tossing him to the floor. The impact left him rattled, and after retreating to his hotel room, his shoulder swelled, forcing a taxi ride to Merit Hospital, just a quarter-mile away.
Injuries and Anguish
Powell’s complaint paints a grim picture: trauma to his right shoulder, arm, and “body as a whole,” plus emotional distress, mental anguish, and a “loss of enjoyment of life.” He’s not just seeking medical costs but punitive damages, arguing the fall stole his quality of life. His attorney, Willie Abston of Flowood, Mississippi, is pushing for a jury trial to make Hard Rock and Modern Gaming pay.
The Blame Game
Hard Rock’s Alleged Negligence
Powell’s lawsuit accuses Hard Rock, operating as Premier Entertainment, of failing its duty to keep guests safe. Abston argues the casino should’ve inspected its roughly 1,400 slot chairs for defects, claiming Hard Rock “knew or should have known” the chair was a hazard. A maintenance worker whisked the chair away post-fall, which could complicate proving the defect, but Powell’s team is betting on jury sympathy.
Modern Gaming in the Crosshairs
The chair’s manufacturer, Modern Gaming, also takes heat. Powell alleges they skipped quality control, used subpar components, and didn’t test chairs properly before shipping. It’s a bold claim—proving a manufacturing flaw is tough, especially if the chair’s gone—but Abston’s aiming to hold both parties accountable for Powell’s pain.
Why This Matters
For Casino Visitors
If you’ve ever spun a slot machine, this hits home. Casinos are supposed to be fun, not dangerous. Powell’s case raises questions about how well venues check their gear. A wobbly chair might seem minor, but when it collapses, it’s a wake-up call. This lawsuit could push casinos to tighten safety checks, keeping your next gaming trip worry-free.
For Hard Rock and Beyond
Hard Rock Biloxi’s no stranger to lawsuits—slips and falls are common in casinos—but a chair collapse is a curveball. With 1,400 slot chairs and hundreds more at table games, one faulty seat could spark broader scrutiny. If Powell wins, it might force casinos and suppliers to rethink furniture standards, raising costs but boosting safety.
The Legal Road Ahead
Hard Rock’s Silence
Hard Rock and Modern Gaming haven’t responded to the April 23, 2025, public filing, but their lawyers will likely push to dismiss the case, arguing insufficient evidence or shared fault. The Atlanta-based Millar Law Firm notes that proving negligence in chair collapses is tricky—Powell needs solid proof the chair was defective and Hard Rock ignored it. The missing chair doesn’t help his case.
Powell’s Uphill Battle
Powell’s modest $128,800 home suggests he’s not a high roller chasing a quick buck, but his claims of ongoing anguish will face skepticism. Juries often award damages for clear injuries, but “loss of enjoyment” is harder to quantify. Still, Abston’s banking on emotional appeal to sway jurors in Harrison County.
What’s Next?
Courtroom Showdown
The case is early-stage, with Hard Rock and Modern Gaming likely to file motions to dismiss. If it reaches a jury, Powell’s team must prove negligence without the chair as evidence. Discovery—interviews, documents—could reveal maintenance logs or manufacturing flaws, shaping the trial’s outcome.
Industry Ripples
A win for Powell could prompt casinos to audit seating, while a loss might embolden venues to fight similar claims. Either way, the case highlights the risks of aging casino furniture, especially in high-traffic spots like Biloxi’s gaming floor.
The Bottom Line
George Powell’s lawsuit against Hard Rock Biloxi over a collapsing slot chair is a wild ride—part safety wake-up, part legal gamble. Alleging negligence by the casino and Modern Gaming, he’s seeking damages for injuries and emotional trauma. For gamblers, it’s a reminder to watch where you sit; for casinos, it’s a nudge to check their gear. Will Powell score a payout, or will Hard Rock dodge the hit? This Mississippi drama’s just heating up.