Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Guests staying at a Myrtle Beach hotel say they were repeatedly bitten by bed bugs over several months, prompting a lawsuit filed this week in Horry County. According to court records cited by The Sun News, the case alleges that hotel management failed to address a known infestation, resulting in physical injuries and emotional distress for multiple residents.
Lawsuit Details Prolonged Exposure at Oceanfront Motel
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Horry County, names the Diplomat Motel, located at 608 North Ocean Boulevard, as the defendant. Two adult Horry County residents and four minor children were living at the hotel between January 17, 2025, and April 24, 2025, when they began noticing bed bug bites, according to the complaint.
The filing states that the victims were bitten while sleeping and later discovered bed bugs present in mattresses, bedding, and carpeting throughout their living space.
Guests Say Management Was Notified
According to the lawsuit, the residents alerted hotel management about the bed bug problem after noticing the bites. Despite these complaints, the infestation allegedly continued.
Attempts by The Sun News to reach the hotel for comment were unsuccessful. A phone call placed Friday went unanswered and did not connect to a voicemail system.
Claims of Negligence and Emotional Distress
The lawsuit argues that the motel either knew or should have known about the infestation and failed to properly inspect or treat the premises before guests were harmed.
The plaintiffs claim the experience caused “severe and permanent emotional distress, humiliation, mental anguish, indignity, loss of pleasures and enjoyment of life.” The filing further states that the victims may require ongoing psychological and psychiatric treatment as a result.
Financial Losses and Medical Costs Cited
In addition to emotional harm, the lawsuit says the infestation led to out-of-pocket medical expenses and lost wages. The plaintiffs allege that the injuries from the bites caused significant pain and suffering.
The complaint also accuses the hotel of unfair practices and breach of contract, asserting claims that include negligence, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Guests Seek Damages and Legal Costs
The plaintiffs are asking the court for financial compensation to cover medical expenses, emotional suffering, lost income, and legal fees. The case remains pending in Horry County court, and no response from the hotel has yet been filed publicly.
