Hotel Horror: Dog Bites and Bed Bugs Lead to Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit

Imagine checking into a hotel, expecting a relaxing getaway, only to be greeted by a furry menace or tiny, blood-sucking pests. While hotels offer comfort and convenience, they can also be the site of unexpected injuries. A confluence of negligence can lead to significant harm for guests, potentially resulting in multi-million dollar lawsuits.

Introduction: When Hospitality Turns Hostile

Hotels have a duty to provide a safe and habitable environment for their guests. This responsibility extends to preventing foreseeable hazards, including pest infestations and ensuring the safety of guests from animal attacks. Unfortunately, hotels sometimes fall short of this duty, leading to guest injuries and potential legal action. In fact, nearly 80% of Americans are most concerned about encountering bed bugs at hotels. When negligence leads to harm, the consequences can be severe, with settlements and jury awards reaching into the millions.

Dog Bites in Hotels: A Strict Liability Landscape

Who is Liable?

Dog bites are a common cause of injury, and hotels are not immune to these incidents. Determining liability in a hotel dog bite case can be complex. In many states, including California, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries their dogs inflict, meaning the owner is responsible for damages regardless of whether they knew their dog was aggressive. This means that if a guest is bitten by another guest’s dog, the dog owner is primarily responsible. However, the hotel may also be liable under certain circumstances.

Hotel’s Responsibility

While the dog owner is typically the first target in a dog bite lawsuit, the hotel’s potential negligence should not be overlooked. Hotels have a duty to maintain a safe environment for their guests. If a hotel knew or should have known that a dog on its property posed a risk to guests and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack, the hotel could be held liable.

Factors that may contribute to a hotel’s liability:

Knowledge of the dog’s dangerousness: Did the hotel have prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies? Had there been previous complaints or incidents involving the dog?
Failure to enforce pet policies: Did the hotel have clear pet policies in place, such as leash requirements or breed restrictions? Were these policies enforced?
Negligence in handling the situation: Did the hotel staff act reasonably in response to the dog’s presence or behavior? Did they take appropriate steps to protect guests?

Case Example

In Parris v. Rogers, 2019 BCSC 1828, a British Columbia court addressed a hotel’s liability for a dog bite. The court found that the hotel was not liable because it was not foreseeable that the dog, which had been on the premises without incident, would suddenly bite someone. The court emphasized that the hotel had no reason to believe the dog would act aggressively. This case highlights the importance of foreseeability in determining a hotel’s liability.

Strict Liability States

California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means that dog owners are responsible for any damage caused by their dog in a public space or on private property where the person bitten is legally allowed to be. The only exception is if the victim was trespassing.

Proving Negligence

To hold a hotel liable, you must prove negligence. This involves demonstrating that the hotel knew or should have known about the risk the dog posed and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the injury. Evidence of negligence may include:

Prior complaints about the dog
Lack of enforcement of pet policies
Failure to respond appropriately to the dog’s behavior

Bed Bugs in Hotels: A Growing Concern

Prevalence and Impact

Bed bug infestations are a growing problem for hotels worldwide. These pests can cause significant discomfort, skin irritation, and emotional distress. A 2024 survey revealed that 14% of U.S. travelers reported a bed bug encounter in the past year, with 20% of those sightings occurring in five-star hotels.

Hotel’s Duty of Care

Hotels have a legal duty to provide a safe and habitable environment for their guests, which includes taking reasonable measures to prevent and address bed bug infestations. This duty of care falls under premises liability, which holds property owners accountable for injuries that occur on their property due to negligence.

Establishing Negligence

To successfully sue a hotel for bed bugs, you must prove that the hotel was negligent. This involves demonstrating that:

The hotel knew or should have known about the bed bug infestation.
The hotel failed to take reasonable steps to prevent or eradicate the infestation.
The guest suffered harm as a result of the infestation.

Evidence of Negligence

Evidence of a hotel’s negligence in a bed bug case may include:

Prior complaints from other guests
Visible signs of infestation, such as bed bugs or their droppings
Failure to implement pest control measures
Lack of staff training on bed bug prevention and detection

Damages in Bed Bug Lawsuits

If a guest proves the elements of a premises liability claim, they can recover damages from the hotel. Typical damages may include:

Medical expenses to treat bed bug bites and reactions
Costs of pest control treatment when bugs are brought home
Lost wages if they are unable to work due to discomfort from bites
Property damage, including luggage, clothing, and furniture
Pain and suffering
Hotel reimbursement for the costs of the infested room

Recent Cases

In a recent case, a California couple secured a $2 million award in a lawsuit against The Shores Inn after suffering severe bed bug bites during their stay. Google and Yelp reviews played a crucial role, establishing the hotel’s prior awareness of the infestation. In May 2025, two Las Vegas Strip hotels were sued over bed bugs after guests were allegedly bitten. These cases highlight the potential financial consequences of failing to address bed bug infestations.

Practical Advice for Hotel Guests

To protect yourself from dog bites and bed bugs during your hotel stay, consider the following tips:

Inspect your room: Before settling in, thoroughly inspect the room for signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, shed skins, or dark fecal spots. Check the mattress, headboard, and furniture.
Report any concerns: If you notice any signs of bed bugs or have concerns about a dog on the property, immediately report it to the hotel management.
Document everything: If you are bitten by a dog or discover bed bugs, document the incident with photos and videos. Gather any evidence that supports your claim.
Seek medical attention: If you are bitten by a dog or experience bed bug bites, seek medical attention promptly.
Consult an attorney: If you suffer injuries due to a dog bite or bed bug infestation at a hotel, consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Legal Recourse

If you’ve experienced a hotel horror involving a dog bite or bed bugs, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue a claim against the dog owner, the hotel, or both. A personal injury attorney can help you assess your case, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process.

Conclusion

Hotels have a responsibility to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their guests. When negligence leads to injuries from dog bites or bed bug infestations, victims have the right to seek compensation for their damages. By understanding your rights and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize your risk and hold negligent parties accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a dog bite or bed bug infestation at a hotel, contact our firm today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.