Court Upholds $2 Million Bed Bug Verdict Against California Hotel

A Ventura County Superior Court has upheld a $2 million jury verdict against the Shores Inn in Ventura, California, following a bed bug infestation case. The court denied a Motion for New Trial filed by the defendants, Dario Pini and DLP Management Company, confirming the original decision.

The case involved plaintiffs Alvaro Gutierrez and Ramiro Sanchez, who reported a severe bed bug infestation during their 2020 stay at the hotel. They described finding live bed bugs on the bed, furniture, and walls, with evidence of a long-standing problem, including blood smears and insect casings on the mattress and bedding. Both plaintiffs suffered numerous bites, permanent scarring, and ongoing psychological trauma.

The jury awarded $1 million in compensatory damages and another $1 million in punitive damages, citing the hotel’s conscious disregard for guest safety. The defendants sought to overturn the verdict, arguing that the evidence did not support the decision. However, the court rejected this motion, stating that the evidence of negligence and malice was overwhelming.

During the trial, expert testimony indicated that the infestation predated the plaintiffs’ stay and that the hotel had failed to meet basic health and safety standards. It was also revealed that no professional pest control program was in place, and guest complaints about bed bugs were ignored.

The ruling reinforces the legal standing of MYBEDBUGLAWYER, INC., which represented the plaintiffs.