A couple is blaming an O'Fallon hotel for a bed bug infestation at their home in Tennessee, claiming they discovered the parasites in their luggage.
Antwaine and Woodrow Ross filed a lawsuit March 16 against Caseyville Hotel Investors LLC in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
The Rosses say they spent three nights at the Days Inn O'Fallon in March 2010. Almost immediately, they say they noticed bumps on their skin that itched. After arriving back home in Nashville, the Rosses say they they found bed bugs in their luggage and soon realized the parasites were also living in their home.
The Rosses say an exterminator confirmed the bed bug infestation.
After learning about the parasites, the husband and wife say they had conversations with the hotel's property manager and employees that revealed the owner of Days Inn O'Fallon, Caseyville Hotel Investors, knew certain rooms had bed bugs.
The Rosses accuse Caseyville Hotel Investors of negligence, breach of an implied contract and of violating Illinois' Consumer Fraud Act.
They are asking for more than $200,000 in damages plus court costs.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Deutschman of Chicago is representing the Rosses.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 12-L-141