Woman claims bed bug bites from off-Strip casino left her scarred

A Mississippi woman is suing a Las Vegas off-Strip casino-hotel over permanent scarring she allegedly sustained from bed bugs while staying at the property.

Krystal Nailer said she spent over $15,000 to remediate the effects of coming into contact with bed bugs while a guest of The Strat casino-hotel in October 2022, according to a complaint filed in a Nevada district court last week. Nailer claims she was subjected to emotional and physical damage as a result, including suffering through weeks of itching and scratching which left her with permanent scars.

Representatives for The Strat declined to comment on the matter because it is an “active legal matter.” The representative referred the Review-Journal to a statement issued by the Nevada Resort Association in February, which read, in part:

“The minute number of (bed bug) incidents reflects the comprehensive and proactive health and safety measures and pest-control procedures Las Vegas resorts have in place to prevent and address issues. Unfortunately, these pests can be transported anywhere unwittingly in luggage and clothing. While incredibly rare, when reported our members take swift action in accordance with health and safety requirements. Guests are immediately relocated, and the room is taken out of service for extensive cleaning and extermination to eradicate any pests.”

Nailer’s attorney filed a lawsuit against The Strat and its parent company, Golden Entertainment, in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County on Oct. 8. The suit seeks reimbursement for costs already incurred and potential future expenses.

According to the complaint, Nailer checked into the hotel on Oct. 16, 2022. Two days later, she woke up itchy and noticed “painful welts on her left leg and buttocks.” Nailer also claims to have seen a bed bug, the complaint said.

When she informed the front desk, hotel staff inspected the room, took an incident report and gave Nailer hydrocortisone cream.

The court filing says that at no time prior to October 2022 had Nailer been bitten by or had prior exposure to bed bugs.

As a result of the bed bug bites and the possibility of bringing them home in luggage, Nailer said she spent thousands of dollars on medical treatment as well as new luggage and clothes.

The lawsuit claims the hotel is responsible because the property was allegedly aware of an infestation due to previous guest complaints. The complaint further alleged that The Strat failed to properly train hotel staff and management to identify or mitigate infestations.

David Danzis can be contacted at ddanzis@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0378. Follow AC2Vegas_Danzis on X.