The family of a Melbourne man who died after being pinned down by security guards at Crown Casino is suing for compensation.

Anthony Dunning, 40, was brought to the ground and restrained by bouncers in the gaming area of the Melbourne casino in July 2011. He died four days later in hospital.

Lawyers for the Dunning family filed a writ with the Victorian Supreme Court late on Wednesday. The family is seeking compensation for loss and suffering, and Crown Casino has 60 days to respond.

“This legal action is about holding Crown Casino to account for their negligence over the incident, and the excessive force used against Anthony,” lawyer Dimi Ioannou, a principal at Maurice Blackburn, said in a statement on Thursday.

“Crown Casino is responsible for the safety of all patrons, and also for making sure its employees, the security officers, were acting appropriately.

“Anthony’s family have suffered tremendously as a result of the loss of their son and brother – and they continue to feel his loss every day.”

The Victorian Coroners Court is also separately considering whether to hold an inquest into Mr Dunning’s death.

State Coroner Judge Ian Gray will make a decision on that before August 1.

Three Crown bouncers have faced court in relation to Mr Dunning’s death.

Matthew Scott Lawson, 28, and Cameron Paul Sanderson, 42, were charged with manslaughter but acquitted in October 2012.

A third bouncer, Benjamin Michael Vigo, 25, was found not guilty of assaulting Mr Dunning.

Crown was contacted for comment but a spokesperson said the company could not respond publicly while there were matters before the courts.