Two prominent Las Vegas hotels are facing lawsuits from guests alleging negligence after suffering bed bug bites during their stays.

Courtney and Stephen Gully of Illinois, along with Briana McKenzie of Washington State, filed lawsuits against the Luxor Hotel. At the same time, Teresa Bruce of California brought a separate lawsuit against Treasure Island Hotel. All lawsuits were filed by the Las Vegas-based law firm Morris, Sullivan, Lemkul, and Turtzo.

The lawsuits seek unspecified damages related to negligence, medical bills, and additional associated costs incurred by the plaintiffs, who visited the hotels between June and July 2024.

All plaintiffs report similar experiences, describing itchy bites, inadequate responses from hotel staff, and the subsequent need for further medical treatment both in Las Vegas and after returning home.

Photo Source: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster via reviewjournal.com

Teresa Bruce, who checked into Treasure Island on June 24, stated that she awoke the next morning with bed bug bites covering her body. Upon inspecting the bed, she found clear signs of bed bug activity. After hotel risk management confirmed her findings, Bruce was moved to another room, where she again encountered bed bugs. According to her lawsuit, hotel staff merely suggested she visit a downstairs pharmacy for treatment, providing no further assistance.

Another plaintiff, Courtney Gully, also suffered severe bed bug bites after checking into the Luxor Hotel. Her reaction was so intense that she required immediate medical intervention, experiencing symptoms such as throat swelling indicative of a severe allergic reaction.

One lawsuit specifically cites "grossly inadequate conditions and defects in the subject property and surrounding hotel rooms that created breeding grounds for bed bugs to mature and multiply."

Brian Virag, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, emphasized hotels' responsibility to ensure safe and pest-free accommodations. "The hotel operator has a responsibility to make sure that the room is bed bug-free," said Virag. "Housekeeping must be thoroughly trained. They need to know how to inspect and diligently prepare rooms before guests arrive."

Bed bugs have been a recurring issue in Las Vegas, widely recognized as the entertainment capital of the world. Local news outlet 8 News Now reported multiple bed bug complaints filed with the Southern Nevada Health District from February through August 2024. Hotels such as The Cosmopolitan, Hilton Grand Vacation Club, Resorts World Las Vegas, and Bellagio Hotel and Casino were also identified as having bed bug issues during this period.

Hotels are legally obligated to provide safe accommodations. Failure to meet this duty allows plaintiffs to seek compensation for damages and losses incurred, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Negligence forms the foundation of bed bug lawsuits, as in most personal injury claims. To prevail, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the hotel knew or reasonably should have known about the infestation and failed to act accordingly.

Neither Luxor nor Treasure Island has commented publicly on the pending litigation.