Two guests, Alvaro Gutierrez and Ramiro Sanchez, were awarded $2 million after a jury found the Shores Inn in Ventura, liable for a bed bug infestation during their stay on February 7, 2020. The verdict, delivered on Friday, is one of the largest bed bug-related awards recorded.
The lawsuit alleged that the guests suffered significant physical, emotional, and mental distress due to the infestation. According to their complaint, the bed bugs latched onto them during the night, causing severe bites. Attorney Brian Virag, representing the plaintiffs, highlighted that the hotel had a history of bed bug issues, as indicated by online reviews, yet failed to address the problem.
Gutierrez was awarded $400,000 for pain, disfigurement, and emotional distress, while Sanchez received $600,000 for similar damages. Both men were also granted $500,000 each in punitive damages. The Shores Inn, located at 1059 S. Seaward Ave., did not comment on the ruling, but an appellate attorney for the hotel suggested they might appeal the decision due to unusual factors that arose during the trial.
The Shores Inn is expected to pursue further legal action, potentially appealing the decision or seeking a new trial.
The Los Angeles Times reported that this case follows other significant bed bug-related lawsuits, including a $100,000 settlement by Disneyland Resort in 2022.
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