An elderly woman from Oregon has taken Dotty’s to court after suffering a devastating injury at one of its slot machine parlors in Oregon. According to the complaint the property misguided customers by claiming that it is a safe place for gaming.
The Plaintiff Was Left Paralyzed
The Gallo Crawford, 64, who is taking Dotty’s to court was visiting a Dotty’s parlor in Oregon on December 20, 2023. Unfortunately, on that day, a robber whose identity remains unknown, shot the plaintiff, causing a severe injury.
The incident left the grandmother with paralyzed legs and a need for a wheelchair. She continues to struggle in her daily life and is dependent on medical care and attention, according to her lawyer.
Crawford’s complaint states that Dotty’s inappropriately marketed itself as a safe place. According to her claims, Dotty’s Chain of Taverns and Casinos encouraged middle-aged women to come and play, promising them a safe and secure play to enjoy their free time.
Dotty’s Failed to Provide the Security It Promises
Indeed, Dotty’s has seemingly always targeted a primarily female audience, providing a breath of fresh air in a male-dominated pastime. Founded in 1991, the brand now operates over 170 parlors across Oregon, Montana and Nevada.
As a chain aimed at middle-aged women, Dotty’s has always sought to invoke a sense of personal security, safety, comfort and nostalgia, according to the claimant. Its choice to air shows and programs targeted at this very demographic further emphasized the atmosphere the chain tried to evoke.
However, the protection offered by Dotty’s turned out to be insufficient, the complaint states. It argues that the company has proven itself to be unable to protect its consumers and deal with robberies and violent incidents.
The plaintiff further claimed that Dotty’s employed minimal staff and did not have alarm systems, despite the brand’s promise of safety and security.
As a result, Gallo Crawford is now seeking $82 million in damages from Oregon Restaurant Services, Dotty’s parent company. The defendant has yet to comment on the matter.
