The Seminole Tribe of Florida can't be sued for a fatal accident involving an employee of one of its casinos, a state court ruled earlier this month.

The tribe has not waived its sovereignty immunity nor has Congress abrogated the tribe's immunity, the court said on September 1. "Florida law is clear that the Indian tribes are independent sovereign governments not subject to the civil jurisdiction of the courts of this state," the decision stated.

The court said the tribe's Class III gaming compact authorizes a limited waiver of sovereign immunity for cases arising from people who claim "to have been injured in the area of the Facility where Covered Games are played." The death of Roselindo Velasquez did not occur within the tribe's gaming facility, the decision stated.

Get the Story:
Appeals court upholds Seminole Tribe’s sovereignty (The Florida Independent 9/9)

Court Decision:
Seminole Tribe v. Ariz (September 1, 2010)