The Tribune

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

TWO Florida residents have filed a lawsuit against Resorts World Bimini after allegedly being assaulted in their hotel room by four other visitors while visiting the Bahamas last March.

Richard Simmons and Jessiam Scungio have reportedly filed a negligent security suit in Circuit Court in Miami, seeking damages against Resorts World after allegedly being assaulted by a 19-year-old, his father and two other men.

Resorts World has since issued a statement, saying despite guest security being of “paramount importance,” the resort “cannot comment on pending litigation”.

On March 2014, Simmons and Scungio, with several other guests from Florida, were in their room at Resorts World when they claim they were attacked by four men, according to two complaints filed recently.

According to lawyer Robert L Parks, who represents the two complainants, Simmons was at the resort’s casino with friends when another Floridian visiting the resort became verbally abusive and tried to start a fight.

At that point, Simmons reportedly cashed out his chips and left the casino. The Floridian is said to have followed Simmons outside, instigating a brief scuffle that was broken up by a security guard at the resort.

An hour after Simmons, Scungio and friends had returned to their hotel room, however, the man and three others are reported to have kicked in the door to their hotel room and started to beat them, causing severe injuries.

Mr Parks said the police were summoned and the assailants spent one night in jail before being released.

“Resorts World Bimini failed to provide adequate security,” said Mr Parks. “This brutal attack should never have happened. The two big questions are how the four attackers were able to find the right room, and why the resort did not take adequate security steps after the initial scuffle. This is a clear case of negligence on the part of the resort.”

When contacted on the matter yesterday, Resorts World Bimini Director of Public Affairs Michelle Malcolm said: “The security and welfare of our guests is of paramount importance to Resorts World Bimini. Unfortunately we cannot comment on pending litigation.”

While the alleged attack occurred in the Bahamas, the plaintiffs and the corporate defendants are based in South Florida.

Genting Malaysia Berhad, the parent company of Resorts World Bimini, is named in the lawsuit.