Trial begins in civil case focused on David Copperfield show

By: The Associated Press

Friday, April 13, 2018 5:25 PM

LAS VEGAS (AP) A lawyer for a British man who says he slipped, fell and was injured while he participated in a disappearing illusion at magician David Copperfield's Las Vegas show says the act was "an accident waiting to happen."

The remarks from attorney Benedict Morelli came Friday during the first day of the trial in the civil case brought by tourist Gavin Cox and his wife against Copperfield, the MGM Grand casino-resort and others.

Cox filed the lawsuit in 2014 months after he was randomly selected to participate in the final trick of Copperfield's show.

Cox in his lawsuit argues he was injured when he was hurried with no guidance through a dark construction zone.

MGM Grand's attorney Jerry Popovich told the jury Cox simply missed his step when he fell.

Trial begins in civil case focused on David Copperfield show

Illusionist David Copperfield, center, looks on during opening statements in a civil trial at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas on Friday, April 13, 2018. (Michael Quine/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

The Associated Press

Gavin Cox, left, who was injured during an illusion by David Copperfield at the MGM Grand, is overcome with emotion during opening statements of his suit against Coperfield and MGM on Friday, April 13, 2018. (Michael Quine/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

The Associated Press

Benedict P. Morelli, attorney for Gavin Cox who was injured during an illusion performed by David Copperfield at the MGM Grand, addresses the jury during opening statements at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas on Friday, April 13, 2018. (Michael Quine/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

The Associated Press

Judge Mark R. Denton listens to opening statements during a civil trial against magician David Copperfield and the MGM Grand at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas on Friday, April 13, 2018. (Michael Quine/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

The Associated Press

Illusionist David Copperfield, center, appears at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas before opening statements in a civil trial on Friday, April 13, 2018. (Michael Quine/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

The Associated Press

FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2012 file photo, Illusionist David Copperfield arrives at the Keep Memory Alive 16th Annual "Power of Love Gala" honoring Muhammad Ali with his 70th birthday celebration, in Las Vegas. An attorney for a man who says he slipped, fell and injured while he participated in a show of Copperfield's in Las Vegas says the disappearing illusion was "an accident waiting to happen" and put audience participants in danger because of the way it was set up. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari, file)

The Associated Press