There are few places where people expect greater privacy than inside a hotel room or a short-term rental. Whether traveling for business, vacation, or personal reasons, guests trust that the space they have paid for is secure, private, and free from intrusion. Unfortunately, an increasing number of cases across the country have revealed a deeply disturbing reality: that sometimes hidden cameras are placed inside hotel rooms, bathrooms, and rental properties which secretly record unsuspecting guests.
At Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC, we have seen firsthand how devastating these violations can be. Hidden camera cases are not simply embarrassing or uncomfortable situations - they are serious invasions of privacy that can cause lasting emotional harm. Victims often have an absolute right to file a civil lawsuit for monetary damages against not only the individual responsible, but also against the businesses and companies that failed to protect them.
Since 1990, our experienced attorneys have collected many millions of dollars for survivors. Considered by many to be an expert in the area of secret camera cases, Attorney Mitchell Sexner was recently interviewed on the subject, and that interview can be found here.
Call our legal team for confidential and compassionate information 24/7 at (312) 243-9922.
The Growing Problem of Hidden Cameras in Private Places
Modern technology has made it easier than ever for individuals to obtain small, inexpensive surveillance devices that can be concealed almost anywhere. Cameras are now routinely disguised as everyday objects—smoke detectors, phone chargers, alarm clocks, and even bathroom fixtures.
While surveillance cameras may be lawful in certain public settings, there is a clear legal line when it comes to private spaces. Recording someone in a bedroom or bathroom without their knowledge or consent is not only illegal in almost all circumstances, it can also be a basis for lawsuits seeking significant money damages.
Victims are often recorded at their most vulnerable—while changing clothes, while sleeping, when naked or while engaging in private, intimate activities. The emotional impact of discovering that such moments may have been secretly captured can be overwhelming. Many clients describe feelings of shock, anger, anxiety, and a long-lasting loss of trust and security.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Hidden Camera Violations?
One of the most important aspects of these cases is understanding that liability often extends far beyond the individual who placed the camera. While the person who installed the device may face both criminal charges and civil liability, the law also recognizes that businesses and property owners have a duty to protect guests.
Hotels, motels, and corporate lodging providers are expected to maintain safe and private accommodations. When they fail to properly screen employees, ignore warning signs, or neglect basic security measures, they can be held legally responsible. For example, if a hotel employee uses their access to rooms to install recording devices, the hotel itself may be liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention.
Similarly, hosts operating through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo may face liability if they install hidden cameras, fail to disclose surveillance devices, or allow others access to the property without proper safeguards. In certain circumstances, even the platform itself may be scrutinized if it failed to respond to prior complaints or allowed dangerous conditions to persist.
These cases are often complex and require a careful investigation into who knew what, when they knew it, and what steps—if any—were taken to prevent harm.
Civil Lawsuits for Monetary Damages: How Do They Work?
When a person becomes the victim of hidden camera surveillance, the law allows them to pursue a civil lawsuit for the harm that was caused which seeks financial compensation. This is separate from any criminal case that may be brought by the government.
In a civil case, the focus is on accountability and compensation. The victim, referred to as the plaintiff, must show that the defendant’s actions—or failures—caused harm. Although criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases are generally decided on the basis of a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it is more likely than not that the wrongdoing occurred.
Claims in these cases often include invasion of privacy, negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Each of these legal theories addresses a different aspect of the wrongdoing, but all are aimed at holding responsible parties accountable for violating a person’s fundamental right to privacy.
The Types of Compensation Available to Victims
The harm caused by hidden camera incidents is often profound and long-lasting. Civil lawsuits provide a way for victims to recover financial compensation for both the tangible and intangible effects of the violation.
Economic damages may include the cost of therapy, psychological treatment, medication, and any other medical care related to the trauma. In some cases, victims may also recover compensation for lost income or diminished earning capacity if the emotional impact interferes with their ability to work.
Non-economic damages are equally important. These include compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, humiliation, and the loss of a sense of safety. Many victims report that the psychological effects of being secretly recorded can persist for years, affecting relationships, daily routines, and overall well-being.
In particularly egregious cases, courts may also award punitive damages. These are often large sums of money which are intended not only to compensate the victim, but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Recent Settlements and Verdicts Involving Short Term Rentals
Lawsuits seeking money damages in these cases have been filed all over the country. Some of the recent settlements and jury verdicts include:
$2.78 Million Jury Verdict – Hidden Camera in Living Quarters
- Facts: A nanny was secretly recorded in her bedroom using a hidden camera in a smoke detector
- Outcome: Jury awarded $2.78 million
$45 Million Jury Verdict – Vacation Rental / Airbnb-Type Property
- Facts: A landlord secretly recorded guests using hidden cameras
- Outcome: Jury awarded about $45 million in compensatory and punitive damages
Why These Cases Demand Serious Legal Attention
Hidden camera cases are uniquely invasive. Unlike other types of misconduct, these violations often involve the recording of deeply personal and private moments. The possibility that such recordings may have been stored, shared, or even distributed can intensify the emotional harm.
From a legal standpoint, these cases often involve multiple layers of responsibility. It is not uncommon for defendants to deny knowledge, shift blame, or attempt to minimize the extent of the harm. Businesses may argue that they had no way of knowing about the conduct, while individuals may attempt to conceal or destroy evidence.
This is why it is critical to act quickly and involve experienced legal counsel. A thorough investigation may uncover patterns of misconduct, prior complaints, or systemic failures that strengthen the case.
What To Do If You Discover a Hidden Camera
Discovering a hidden camera can be a shocking and overwhelming experience. In that moment, it is important to remain as calm as possible and take steps to preserve evidence.
Contacting law enforcement should be a priority, as there may be an ongoing criminal investigation. At the same time, documenting the situation—without disturbing the device if possible—can be crucial. Retaining records of your stay, including booking confirmations and communications with the property owner or host, may also be important.
Before engaging in extensive discussions with the hotel, host, or platform, it is often advisable to consult with an attorney. Early legal guidance can help ensure that your rights are protected and that critical evidence is preserved. The legal team at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC is always available to discuss your options free of charge at 312-243-9922.
Your Right to Privacy Matters
No one should ever have to worry about being secretly recorded in a place where privacy is expected. Hotels and short-term rental properties have a responsibility to ensure that their guests are safe—not exploited.
When that trust is violated, the law provides a path forward. Civil lawsuits are not just about financial recovery—they are about accountability, justice, and preventing future harm.
If you believe that you have been the victim of a hidden camera or similar invasion of privacy, we encourage you to seek legal advice as soon as possible. You may have rights, and taking action can be the first step toward reclaiming your sense of security and peace of mind.
How Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC Can Help
At Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC, we understand that coming forward after a privacy violation is not easy. Many victims feel embarrassed, violated, or unsure of what steps to take next. Our role is to provide guidance, protection, and strong legal advocacy during this difficult time.
Our firm has decades of experience handling complex civil cases. In additional to hidden camera cases, our team handles matters involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and sexual abuse/sexual assault representing survivors injured by others in positions of power. We approach these cases with the sensitivity they deserve, while aggressively pursuing the compensation our clients are entitled to under the law.
We are available 24/7 to speak with you confidentially. There is no fee unless we are successful in recovering compensation on your behalf. Call us now at (312) 243-9922.
