Las Vegas Casinos Sued After Tourist Dies of Legionnaires’ Disease
A man’s estate is suing two off-Strip casino resorts in Las Vegas, alleging negligence led to his death from Legionnaires’ disease after a business trip in March 2023. Gary Curtis Jones, an Alabama resident, died from complications related to the disease weeks after staying at the Grandview at Las Vegas and South Point Hotel Casino.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed in Clark County District Court on February 16, 2026, accuses South Point and The Grandview, along with their associated holding companies, of wrongful death and gross negligence. The estate is demanding a jury trial on four counts as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
According to court documents, Jones was diagnosed with cancer prior to his trip but was well enough to continue working. He stayed at the Grandview from March 12 to 16, 2023, and then at South Point from March 16 to 17, 2023. During his stay at one of the hotels, he was exposed to Legionella bacteria and subsequently contracted Legionnaires’ disease.
Symptoms and Progression of the Illness
Upon returning to Alabama, Jones began experiencing lethargy and extreme fatigue, early symptoms of a Legionella infection. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and by April 1, 2023, he was unable to complete full sentences. He was admitted to intensive care suffering from respiratory failure and severe sepsis caused by the disease. Doctors reportedly drained “purulent, brown fluid” from his lungs according to MSN. Jones died from legionellosis on April 2, 2023.
Investigation Findings
The lawsuit alleges that the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) investigated South Point’s water system after Jones’ illness and found the presence of Legionella. The suit claims the investigation revealed that South Point “failed to meet the standard of care for Legionella control” and that the resort’s water had “almost no chlorine” as detailed by SCCG Management.
The complaint further alleges a history of uncontrolled water systems and Legionella presence at both resorts. Previous cases against the Grandview from June 2022 and May 2025 reportedly showed positive tests for Legionella in water samples taken by the SNHD.
Resort Responses
South Point and Grandview have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which grows and spreads in man-made water systems such as showerheads, faucets, hot tubs, and large plumbing systems as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure and can include headache, chills, breathing problems, stomach issues, and confusion. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial, and severe cases may require hospitalization.