Full Breakdown
Pilot's Bat Bite Lawsuit Highlights Hotel Wildlife Safety Failures
7/4/2026, 1:44:37 AM
Incident Overview
In August 2025 a 46-year-old commercial airline pilot from Anaheim awoke to a swarm of bats in a 22nd-floor room at the Sheraton Denver Hotel Downtown (1550 Court Place). One bat bit his foot, prompting a full post-exposure rabies vaccination series that cost over $100,000. The pilot tested negative for rabies but reports lasting anxiety. He filed a lawsuit in June 2026 in Colorado state court against the hotel and its parent, Marriott International, seeking reimbursement and damages.
Context and Timeline
July 2025: Denver Animal Protection warned the public after two rabid bats were identified in the city. August 29, 2025: Bats entered the pilot’s room; hotel maintenance was called but did not seal a hole beneath the air-conditioning unit. August 30: A bat remained hanging from the curtain rod; Denver Animal Control removed it and confirmed a negative rabies test. June 2026: After months of settlement talks, the pilot filed suit.
Parties and Claims
The plaintiff, a married father of one who requested anonymity to protect his job, is represented by attorney Ed Lomena of Lomena Law. Defendants are the Sheraton Denver Hotel Downtown and its owner Marriott International, with hotel management listed as W Hotel Management. The complaint alleges failure to relocate the guest, an unsealed AC opening, incomplete bat removal, and a settlement offer described as paltry.
Data, Costs, and Health Impact
The 1,200-room hotel’s 22nd-floor room incident generated medical bills of $100,000-$102,000, with insurance covering most of the expense. Rabies testing confirmed the bat was negative, yet the pilot completed the full prophylactic regimen and reports ongoing anxiety and sleep disturbance.
Official Statements & Responses
Marriott International, its counsel, and the hotel’s general manager have not responded to repeated requests for comment. Denver Animal Control confirmed removal of the bat and a negative rabies test. Lomena Law issued a statement that the incident was preventable and that Marriott’s settlement offers were insufficient.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list medical costs as “nearly $100,000,” “about $102,000,” and “over $100,000.” No independent verification of the AC hole exists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[He] was sleeping and he woke up to a commotion, and he woke up and said there were bats flying around,” — Ed Lomena, attorney
- “He was scared he was going to die and leave his family without a father.” — Ed Lomena, attorney
- “We believe the evidence will show that this incident was preventable and that the hotel's response fell well below what any guest should expect.” — Lomena Law statement
- “We attempted for months to resolve this matter before filing suit.” — Lomena Law statement
Implications and Next Steps
The lawsuit may influence hotel liability standards for wildlife intrusion and prompt stricter maintenance protocols. The plaintiff seeks a jury trial; no settlement has been reached. Industry observers are monitoring how major hotel chains address guest-safety concerns amid heightened public awareness of rabies risks and the potential for similar incidents.
