A shocking case of bedbug infestation at a California hotel has led to a lawsuit alleging multiple serious charges against the hotel's operators. On July 31, 2024, plaintiffs Nikka Freeman and Alicia Freeman filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Hilton Hotels Corporation and several associated entities.
The lawsuit centers around an incident that occurred on August 12, 2022, when the Freemans checked into Room 124 at the Hampton Inn Morgan Hill. The next morning, they awoke with itching and bites all over their bodies. Upon inspecting their room, they discovered bedbugs crawling on the walls. The hotel management's response was reportedly indifferent and unapologetic. The plaintiffs checked out immediately but continued to suffer from itchy bites and sought medical treatment on August 16, 2022. They were diagnosed with bedbug bites and prescribed medication for their injuries. Alicia Freeman even experienced infected bites requiring additional medication.
The complaint details that the hotel had prior knowledge of bedbug infestations in Room 124 based on earlier guest reports but failed to take adequate measures to eradicate the problem or inform new guests about it. This negligence is cited as a deliberate choice by the defendants to prioritize profit over guest safety. "Defendants deliberately chose not to inspect or otherwise ensure that Plaintiffs’ room was free of Cimex lectularius (‘bedbugs’) immediately before Plaintiffs’ stay," reads one part of the complaint.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court including general and specific damages for physical and emotional injuries, punitive damages for willful misconduct, costs of action including attorney fees, and prejudgment interest at the legal rate according to proof.
Representing the plaintiffs is Ilan N. Rosen Janfaza from his law office in Beverly Hills. The case is being overseen by Judge M. Bui under Case ID: 24CV444354.