Hotel Guests Sue Las Vegas Resorts Over Bedbug Infestations
Several hotel guests have filed lawsuits against two prominent Las Vegas Strip resorts, claiming their rooms were infested with bedbugs during their stays.
According to court documents from Clark County District Court, Courtney and Stephen Gully of Illinois and Briana McKenzie of Washington state have sued the Luxor Hotel, while Teresa Bruce of California has filed a separate lawsuit against Treasure Island Hotel. The lawsuits were first reported by KSNV-TV.
The guests allege they experienced painful, itchy bites during their stays and that hotel staff later confirmed the presence of bedbugs in their rooms.
MGM Resorts, which operates the Luxor, and Treasure Island have not yet responded to requests for comment from USA TODAY.
Medical Treatment and Compensation
Courtney Gully reportedly required emergency medical attention and was transported to a hospital by ambulance due to a severe reaction to the bites. The lawsuit claims the Luxor refunded the resort fee and provided additional compensation.
In Bruce’s case, after she was moved to a new room at Treasure Island, she experienced more bites due to another bedbug infestation. According to her lawsuit, hotel staff offered minimal assistance, suggesting she visit a downstairs pharmacy for cream and providing a follow-up card — but took no further action.
All three plaintiffs — Courtney Gully, McKenzie, and Bruce — sought additional medical treatment after returning home. Each lawsuit is seeking over $30,000 in damages to cover medical expenses and other costs.
How to Spot Bedbugs
Bedbugs are small, elusive insects that are most active at night. According to the Southern Nevada Health District, they typically hide in cracks, crevices, and mattress seams during the day and emerge at night to feed.
To check for bedbugs, it’s recommended to turn off the lights and close the curtains, then use a flashlight to inspect the bed and surrounding areas. Look for live bugs, small dark spots (feces), or shed skins.
While bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause allergic reactions due to the saliva they inject while feeding.
What to Do If You Find Bedbugs
If you suspect a bedbug infestation in your hotel room, immediately document the evidence with photos or video and notify the hotel or rental host.
The Southern Nevada Health District also recommends the following prevention and treatment tips:
– Leave sealed luggage in a hot car for several hours during summer to kill bugs and eggs.
– Thoroughly vacuum and scrub suitcases after travel.
– Reduce clutter in your home to eliminate hiding spots.
– Encase mattresses and box springs in protective covers.
– Seal cracks and crevices in walls and furniture.
For more information on bedbug prevention and treatment, visit the Southern Nevada Health District’s website.
Contributors: Anthony Robledo and Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY
Reporter: Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY
Contact: fernando.cervantes@gannett.com | Follow on X: @fern_cerv_
Source: usatoday.com