Myrtle Beach, December 23, 2025
The Diplomat Motel in Myrtle Beach is facing a lawsuit for alleged negligence regarding a severe bed bug infestation that harmed guests. Two adults and four children claim they suffered physical injuries and emotional distress during their stay. The lawsuit argues that the motel should have addressed the infestation promptly, and seeks damages for the significant impact on the plaintiffs’ well-being, including medical expenses and loss of wages. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safety standards in hospitality venues in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Hotel Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Bed Bug Infestation
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – A lawsuit was filed in Horry County on Tuesday, December 22, 2025, alleging that guests at the Diplomat Motel were subjected to a severe bed bug infestation, resulting in physical injury and profound emotional distress. The legal action claims the motel, located at 608 N. Ocean Blvd., should have been aware of and addressed the infestation before guests suffered harm.
Allegations of Negligence and Suffering
The plaintiffs in the case include two adult residents of Horry County and four minor children, who reportedly stayed at the Diplomat Motel from January 17, 2025, to April 24, 2025. During their stay, they contend they were bitten by bed bugs while they slept, an insidious disturbance to what should have been a period of rest. The lawsuit specifies that these unwelcome pests were discovered within the mattresses, bedding, and carpet of their accommodations. Upon discovering the infestation, the residents claim they promptly alerted the hotel management to the distressing situation. However, the legal complaint asserts that the hotel failed in its duty to mitigate the problem, alleging that the management should have possessed prior knowledge of the infestation and undertaken necessary treatment to protect its patrons.
Human Cost of the Alleged Infestation
The human consequences of the alleged infestation are central to the lawsuit’s claims. Beyond the immediate discomfort of physical bites, the plaintiffs contend they endured “severe and permanent emotional distress, humiliation, mental anguish, indignity, [and] loss of pleasures and enjoyment of life.” Such deep-seated anguish, the suit posits, will necessitate ongoing psychological and psychiatric treatment. Furthermore, the alleged incident imposed tangible financial burdens, including expenses for medical care and a loss of wages. The bites themselves are described as causing “severe injuries” and a “significant amount of pain and suffering.” The guests are seeking damages and legal costs, reflecting the full scope of their alleged ordeal.
Legal Foundations and Broader Context
The lawsuit details several legal grounds for its claims, including negligence, premises liability, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unfair labor practices. These assertions underscore the fundamental expectation that hospitality establishments provide a safe and sanitary environment for their guests. When contacted for comment regarding the lawsuit, the Diplomat Motel did not provide a response.
This incident at the Diplomat Motel, while specific, joins a constellation of similar legal actions brought against various hospitality venues across Myrtle Beach in recent years concerning bed bug infestations. These occurrences cast a quiet shadow over the expectation of sanctuary travelers seek in a place of lodging, prompting reflection on the unseen vulnerabilities that can disrupt the most ordinary human endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the primary allegation in the lawsuit against the Diplomat Motel?
A: The lawsuit primarily alleges that guests at the Diplomat Motel were bitten by bed bugs due to an alleged infestation at the hotel.
Q: When was the lawsuit filed and in which county?
A: The lawsuit was filed in Horry County on Tuesday, December 22, 2025.
Q: Who are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit?
A: The plaintiffs include two adult residents of Horry County and four minor children.
Q: What period did the alleged bed bug bites occur at the Diplomat Motel?
A: The alleged bed bug bites occurred between January 17, 2025, and April 24, 2025.
Q: What types of damages are the guests seeking?
A: The guests are seeking damages for “severe and permanent emotional distress, humiliation, mental anguish, indignity, loss of pleasures and enjoyment of life,” which will require psychological and psychiatric treatment, as well as medical care expenses, lost wages, and for the severe injuries and “significant amount of pain and suffering” caused by the bites, along with legal costs.
Q: What is the Diplomat Motel’s response to the allegations?
A: The Diplomat Motel did not answer a call requesting comment on Friday, and the line would not go to a voicemail box.
Key Features of the Diplomat Motel Lawsuit
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Defendant | Diplomat Motel | State-level (Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina) |
| Plaintiffs | Two adult residents and four minor children from Horry County | State-level (Horry County, South Carolina) |
| Filing Date | Tuesday, December 22, 2025 | State-level (Horry County, South Carolina) |
| Alleged Incident Period | January 17, 2025, to April 24, 2025 | State-level (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) |
| Core Allegation | Bed bug infestation causing bites and distress | State-level (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) |
| Claimed Damages | Emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering | Nationwide (general legal concept) |
| Legal Claims | Negligence, premises liability, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unfair labor practices | Nationwide (general legal concepts, specific application in South Carolina) |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
