A Crown Casino waiter, Dien Nguyen, diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, has initiated legal action against the gambling giant.
Nguyen alleges in a Supreme Court writ that his work in Crown’s Mahogany Room, where patrons were permitted to smoke due to a special exemption, “caused or materially contributed” to his cancer diagnosis.
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He has been working in the gaming room reserved for high-roller since 2014, and he underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy over the past two years before being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020.
Court documents suggest that Crown Resorts was aware of other staff members who had faced serious health issues due to their employment in the Mahogany Room.
According to the writ, “Crown had received complaints and notifications in relation to employees suffering from lung cancer or serious lung diseases which were alleged to have been caused by exposure to cigarette and cigar smoke in the course of their employment.”
The 39-year-old said that he typically worked evening shifts in the Mahogany Room, where he was constantly exposed to second-hand smoke.
Nguyen mentioned that smoking was prevalent not only in the pokies area but also around tables, with many patrons smoking cigars.
“In the pokies area, almost everyone was smoking. It was the same around the tables and many people smoking cigars. It was driving me crazy, but I didn’t really have a choice,” he said.
Arnold Thomas & Becker managing director Lee Flanagan intends to expedite the case due to Nguyen’s terminal prognosis.
“Mr Nguyen’s work at Crown casino will eventually cost him his life. Crown casino and the state government, which granted the exemption, were aware of the risks of tobacco smoke causing cancer, but nonetheless, willingly exposed workers to this risk,” Flanagan said.
A Crown spokesperson said the company was aware of the legal proceedings on September 5.
“As the matter is now before the court, it would be inappropriate for Crown to make any further comment,” the spokesperson said.
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