Case Background

In February 2020, Alvaro Gutierrez and Ramiro Sanchez checked into The Shores Inn, a hotel located at 1059 South Seaward Avenue in Ventura, California. The two men claimed that soon after checking into their room, they were “massacred” by bed bugs. According to court documents and testimony, the guests suffered countless bites that caused intense pain, scarring, and long‑term discomfort. The hotel, owned by Dario Pini, had allegedly been the subject of prior online reviews complaining about bed bug infestations, suggesting that the owners were aware of the issue long before Gutierrez and Sanchez arrived.

Cause

The case was rooted in claims of negligence and indifference. The Plaintiffs alleged that The Shores Inn had long ignored evidence of bed bug infestations despite numerous complaints. Reviews and prior guest reports indicated an ongoing pest problem, but the hotel failed to eradicate it or warn future patrons. Gutierrez and Sanchez asserted that the hotel prioritised cost savings and ignored basic sanitary measures required by law, causing serious harm to unsuspecting guests.

Injury

Both Gutierrez and Sanchez suffered significant bed bug bites across their bodies. They endured painful allergic reactions, scarring, and lasting discomfort. The bites caused both physical pain and emotional distress. The Plaintiffs spoke openly about how this experience impacted their trust in hotels and left them with long‑term psychological trauma. According to court proceedings, their injuries were not minor or fleeting — both men required medical attention and ongoing treatments for their wounds and emotional trauma.

Damages

In their claim, the Plaintiffs sought damages for the medical expenses, physical pain, and psychological trauma caused by the bed bug infestation. The Ventura County jury returned a verdict that awarded a total of $2 million. Gutierrez received $400,000 in compensatory damages and an additional $500,000 in punitive damages. Sanchez received $600,000 in compensatory damages and $500,000 in punitive damages. Together, the verdict reflected the jury’s belief that the hotel’s conduct was not only negligent but also reckless.

Claims

The case was brought under California tort law, focusing on the following causes of action:

Negligence: The hotel failed to maintain safe conditions and neglected its duty to protect guests from bed bug infestations.

Premises Liability: The hotel failed to address known hazards that posed a serious risk to guests.

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The owners acted with reckless indifference to the Plaintiffs’ well‑being despite repeated warnings and complaints about bed bug infestations.

Defense

The hotel and its owner, Dario Pini, argued that the infestation was an isolated incident and contested the damages sought. The defense attempted to downplay the injuries, suggesting that the bed bug bites were minor and that the hotel had acted appropriately upon discovering the problem. However, evidence presented in court, including prior online reviews and complaints about bed bugs, weakened the defense’s position.

Verdict

The jury found in favour of Alvaro Gutierrez and Ramiro Sanchez, concluding that The Shores Inn acted with gross negligence and was liable for their injuries. The verdict awarded a combined total of $2 million, one of the largest bed bug-related verdicts in recent California history.

Aftermath and Challenges

Shortly after the verdict was announced, an anonymous note surfaced suggesting possible juror misconduct. The note alleged that certain jurors visited the hotel site during deliberation and openly called it an “eyesore,” raising questions about the jury’s impartiality. In response, Judge Mark Borrell delayed entry of the final judgment until July 2025, allowing both parties an opportunity to investigate the claims and review available remedies. The defense has signalled its intention to appeal or seek a new trial based on the misconduct concerns.

Source Credit

Based on reporting by Christian Martinez, Los Angeles Times, June 3, 2025.