Federal judge partially grants motions shaping upcoming negligence trial at Caesars Atlantic City.
Atlantic City, NJ – A personal injury lawsuit stemming from a fall at Caesars Atlantic City is moving closer to trial after a federal judge issued key rulings on what evidence can be presented to a jury.
In a memorandum opinion, U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner ruled on multiple motions in limine filed by both plaintiff Marcus Erodici and defendant Boardwalk Regency LLC, which operates Caesars Atlantic City. The court granted and denied portions of both sides’ requests, while reserving judgment on others.
The case centers on an August 4, 2022 incident in which Erodici, described as a business invitee, was attending a golf outing event at the casino property. According to court filings, he was at a pre-registration cocktail reception on the pool deck when the incident occurred.
Fall on pool deck led to injury claim
Erodici and his group arrived at the pool deck around 8:45 p.m. and had been there for only a few minutes when he stepped backward while taking a photo and tripped over an entertainment riser.
“After approximately five minutes at the pool deck, while Plaintiff was taking a picture, Plaintiff stepped backwards and tripped on an entertainment riser that had been used for the pre-registration event,” the opinion states. “Plaintiff had not previously seen the entertainment riser.”
The fall resulted in an injury to Erodici’s right shoulder. He later filed a negligence lawsuit against the casino operator, alleging unsafe conditions on the premises.
Judge outlines rules for trial evidence
The case was removed to federal court in July 2023 and proceeded through pretrial litigation, including the denial of the defendant’s motion for summary judgment. With trial approaching, both sides filed motions in limine seeking to limit or admit certain evidence.
District courts have “wide discretion in determining the admissibility of evidence under the Federal Rules,” the judge wrote, emphasizing that such motions are intended to streamline trials and avoid unnecessary interruptions.
“The purpose of a motion in limine is to allow the trial court to rule in advance of trial on the admissibility and relevance of certain forecasted evidence,” the opinion states.
Judge Castner ultimately ruled that the plaintiff’s motions were “GRANTED in part and DENIED in part,” while the defendant’s motions were “GRANTED in part, DENIED in part, and RESERVED in part,” leaving some evidentiary questions to be decided later.
The rulings will shape what jurors hear when the case proceeds to trial.
Key Points
- Federal judge ruled on pretrial evidence motions in Caesars Atlantic City injury case
- Plaintiff alleges he tripped over riser on pool deck during 2022 event
- Case moves toward trial after partial approvals and denials of motions