Eardley Law Offices proudly represented the Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ) in filing an amicus curiae brief in Turrentine v. Jagu, LLC, a significant case involving hotel guest safety and employer responsibility.
The case stems from two sexual assaults committed by a hotel employee at a Super 8 in Belleville, Michigan. In July 2019, a guest alleged that a front desk clerk grabbed and fondled her. Months later, a second guest alleged that the same employee entered her room and assaulted her. Both incidents were reported to police.
The plaintiffs sued the hotel and its owner for negligent hiring, retention, supervision, and vicarious liability. Although the trial court found factual questions for a jury, the Michigan Court of Appeals initially reversed, holding that the hotel was entitled to summary disposition because there was no evidence the owner had knowledge of prior misconduct.
On behalf of MAJ, our firm filed an amicus brief urging the Michigan Supreme Court to review that ruling and clarify that employers may be liable where they had actual or constructive knowledge of an employee’s dangerous propensities—particularly where hotels owe a special duty to protect guests.
In September 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court vacated the Court of Appeals decision and remanded for consideration of constructive knowledge. On remand, the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court, holding that a genuine issue of fact exists. Importantly, the Court of Appeals adopted the very framework advanced in our amicus brief—recognizing that constructive knowledge may be established where information known by multiple employees can be imputed to the employer. Central to that ruling was testimony that housekeepers told one victim the misconduct “happened before” and that others were “too afraid to go to the police.” The appellate court concluded that, if proven, such employee knowledge could create a triable issue on foreseeability and employer responsibility.
This case has important implications for guest safety and employer accountability across Michigan.
Why Choose Eardley Law Offices?
Cases involving sexual assault, negligent hiring, and employer accountability are complex and emotionally difficult. They require careful factual development, a deep understanding of foreseeability and constructive knowledge standards, and the ability to present those issues clearly to appellate courts and juries alike.
Eardley Law Offices, PC has decades of experience handling high-stakes civil litigation in Michigan, including negligent supervision, premises liability, and institutional accountability cases. Our role in Turrentine v. Jagu, LLC reflects our commitment to strengthening legal protections for individuals harmed by preventable misconduct.
We take the hard cases. We hold institutions accountable. And we work to ensure that businesses entrusted with public safety are required to meet that responsibility.
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a company’s failure to properly screen, supervise, or protect, contact Eardley Law Offices for a confidential consultation.