Slot machine injures player's left hand

A woman claims her left hand and arm were struck by the front plate of a gambling machine after it fell while she was playing it at the Casino Queen.

Ramona Whyers filed a lawsuit Sept. 18 in Madison County Circuit Court against Alton Gambling Company, doing business as Alton Belle Casino, and Argosy Casino Alton.

Whyers claims she was gambling on various machines in Alton Belle Casino on Sept. 27, 2007.

"Plaintiff was on the second floor of defendant's establishment playing a gaming device titled the 'Triple Dollar Double' machine," the suit states. "Plaintiff was playing said 'Triple Dollar Double' machine which was owned, operated and maintained by defendant, when without warning or prior notice to plaintiff, the front plate fell off of said gaming machine, striking her left arm and hand."

In addition to her left arm and hand injuries, Whyers sustained injuries to her left shoulder, incurred medical costs and was prevented from attending to her usual duties and affairs, according to the complaint.

She blames Alton Gambling Company and Argosy Casino Alton for failing to perform necessary maintenance, for failing to maintain an inspection system, for failing to install the front face plate of the gaming machine and for failing to properly train its employees on how to repair machines.

Whyers is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

William E. Miller III of Alton will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-993.