Laughlin River Lodge Owner Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit for $1.2 Million

Background of the Settlement

The owner of Laughlin River Lodge has agreed to a $1.2 million settlement following a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) last year. This agreement includes the implementation of new measures aimed at preventing future harassment and the public posting of information related to the case.

Details of the Harassment Allegations

Nevada Restaurant Services Inc., a Las Vegas-based company managing several properties including Laughlin River Lodge, Dotty’s, Bourbon Street, and Red Dragon, faced allegations involving both male and female employees. Reports detailed persistent and severe sexual harassment dating back to at least 2018, including inappropriate remarks, unwanted physical contact, and misconduct by both coworkers and supervisors.

The company reportedly received multiple complaints over time but failed to address them adequately, leading some employees to feel compelled to leave their jobs to escape the hostile environment. The EEOC characterized the workplace conditions as a “hostile work environment” marked by continuous and unwelcome sexual harassment, creating an offensive and intimidating atmosphere.

Specifically at the Laughlin River Lodge, disturbing allegations included male staff members subjecting female employees to unwanted sexual advances. These claims encompassed attempted rape of a 19-year-old worker, groping, stalking after hours, and confining employees in spaces such as walk-in refrigerators or locked rooms to execute improper advances.

Consent Decree and Compensation Process

The settlement was formalized through a consent decree signed on October 14. It establishes a procedure for current and former employees who experienced sexual harassment between 2019 and the present to request compensation from the $1.2 million fund.

Statements and Future Safeguards

Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles district, praised Nevada Restaurant Services for cooperating in resolving the lawsuit and committing to proactive steps to address and prevent sexual harassment. She emphasized the importance of employers maintaining effective policies and procedures to protect employees, while holding management accountable for ensuring workplace safety.