Family sues Nevada casino after taking shots due to bat exposure

• A family has been exposed to a bat that was released by the casino property without being screened for disease, and notably rabies
• Ten people had to be vaccinated against the lethal disease after the advice of healthcare officials
• The plaintiffs are seeking damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees

A family is suing the Nugget casino in Sparks, Nevada, after multiple family members were exposed to a bat, which was not tested for rabies, resulting in 10 people receiving emergency rabiesshots, following health officials' advice.

Health guidelines arguably broken at casino property

The case dates back to the July 4 weekend in 2025, with a complaint filed on July 1 in Washoe County, and outlines the events. According to the plaintiffs, they informed a desk employee about the bat exposure, which led to the casino staff capturing and releasing the rodent without first testing it for rabies.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs said that the vaccinations they received were bothpainful and time-consuming and have led to side effects, seeking more than $15,000 in damages.

The complaint now seeks to claim this much money from the casino along with any punitive damages applicable and attorney’s fees.

The plaintiffs had to undergo the full vaccination course to prevent the lethal disease, which must be treated before symptoms appear, arguing that by releasing the bat, the casino has denied the family the opportunity to find out if they have been exposed.

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