Jury awards man $1.7M after tourist area shooting

ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV has learned that an Orlando man has been awarded a sizeable settlement by an Orange County jury after he went up against one of the largest hotel chains in the world.

Troy Anderson was shot twice outside the Embassy Suites near International Drive four years ago.

Anderson contended that security was lax at the hotel and a jury agreed.

Attorneys for the Hilton Hotel chain, owners of the Embassy Suites, denied Anderson's claims.

"I was shot and robbed and carjacked on their property," said Anderson.

Despite being shot twice, Anderson was able to walk to the front door of the hotel.

In hotel surveillance video hotel security guards can be seen handing Anderson a towel.

"Essentially, as Mr. Anderson described, the security officer was nothing more than a uniformed housekeeper.  It was a two-for-one, and it was a way for Hilton Embassy Suites to save money," said attorney Simon Wiseman, one of Anderson's attorneys.

Anderson and his attorneys said there were problems with the property as well. They said that the night Anderson was shot the parking lot was pitch black. That, they said, was one of the reasons they filed suit against the hotel chain and SecurAmerica.

Anderson's attorneys, Wiseman and Riley Allen, said they took the case to make a statement.

"We felt like it was a worthy cause that people need to know. They need to understand what goes on at these hotels. How they profess to provide you security," said Allen.

The jury awarded Anderson $1.7 million, but he said he's most proud of being a voice against a huge company.

"If somebody didn't stand up and say something this will continue to happen," said Anderson.

Hilton Hotels is appealing the jury's decision.

WFTV