CNN reported that sports reporter Erin Andrews, who was pursued by stalker Michael David Barrett and eventually taped with a tiny "keyhole" camera, has sued at least two Chicago hotels for negligence.
She also has sued Michael Barrett, who pleaded guilty to stalking, claiming invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Named defendants include Marriott International Inc. and Radisson Hotels International Inc., both of which Erin Andrews claims gave Michael Barrett privileged information about her whereabouts. Her lawsuit claims negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy by the hotels.
A statement from her Chicago injury lawyers details her claims against the hotels:
"Not only did the hotels confirm that Ms. Andrews was intending to register as a guest, but they also released, without Ms. Andrews' consent, her room number. The hotels then provided Michael David Barrett a hotel room immediately adjacent to hers."
In her own public statement statement, Erin Andrews said she'll "never be able to fully erase" the impact of the stalker's actions but expressed her hope that the hotel industry will be "more vigilant in protecting its guests."
Michael Barrett pleaded guilty to a federal stalking charge last December stemming from accusations that he altered hotel peepholes in order to capture video of Erin Andrews while she was naked. The Westmont, Illinois insurance company employee posted about 10 videos of the ESPN reporter online, prosecutors said.
He was sentenced to a two-and-a-half year prison term.
Although the CNN doesn't say how much she's seeking in her lawsuit, the Associated Press (via Huffington Post) reported that she's claiming $1.2 million in damages from Michael Barrett and the seven hotels named in the suit.
Related Resources:
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Intake Form: Invasion of Privacy (PDF, FindLaw)
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Consult with an Illinois Injury Lawyer (FindLaw)
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Erin Andrews Files Privacy Suit Against Hotels (FindLaw's Injured Blog)
