A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas following the death of 78-year-old Diana Truschke. The suit alleges that Truschke sustained fatal injuries after being forcefully ejected from a malfunctioning revolving door at the hotel.
Incident Details
On March 21, 2023, Truschke, a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, attempted to exit the Trump International Hotel through its revolving door. According to the lawsuit, the door unexpectedly accelerated, striking her from behind and propelling her several feet forward onto the sidewalk, where she landed face-first.
Medical Treatment and Subsequent Death
Following the incident, Truschke was transported to a nearby hospital, where she received extensive medical treatment for her injuries. Despite ongoing care, her health deteriorated, and she passed away on October 14, 2024, due to complications arising from the injuries sustained in the revolving door incident.
Lawsuit Allegations
The wrongful death lawsuit, filed on March 18, 2025, in Clark County District Court by Truschke’s son, John, accuses Trump International Hotel of negligence. The suit claims that hotel staff were aware of the revolving door’s malfunction and its non-compliance with safety regulations but failed to take corrective action or warn guests of the potential hazard.
Legal Claims and Compensation Sought
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $15,000 for medical and funeral expenses, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and other related costs. It alleges that the hotel’s failure to maintain the revolving door properly and to ensure guest safety directly contributed to Truschke’s injuries and subsequent death.
Hotel Management and Response
Trump International Hotel, located near the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip, is managed by the Trump Organization, led by Donald Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. As of now, the hotel management has not publicly responded to the allegations outlined in the lawsuit.
Public Reaction and Concerns About Hotel Safety
Truschke’s death has sparked discussions about the safety of revolving doors and the responsibility of hotels to ensure their facilities meet proper safety standards. Many guests and industry experts have pointed out that revolving doors, while commonly used in high-end hotels and commercial buildings, must be properly maintained to prevent accidents.
Consumer safety advocates have emphasized the need for regular inspections, staff training, and clear signage to warn guests about potential hazards. Some have called for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legal Implications and Hotel Liability
The lawsuit against Trump International Hotel could set a legal precedent for how hotels are held accountable for injuries caused by malfunctioning equipment. If the court finds that the hotel was negligent in maintaining its revolving door, it could face substantial financial penalties and be required to implement new safety measures.
Legal experts note that businesses have a duty of care to ensure that their facilities do not pose unnecessary risks to guests. If evidence emerges that the hotel management was aware of the faulty door but failed to take action, it could strengthen the case against them.
Comparisons to Past Hotel Safety Incidents
This is not the first time a hotel has faced legal action due to guest injuries caused by malfunctioning equipment. Over the years, similar cases have been reported, involving everything from defective escalators and elevators to poorly maintained swimming pools and balconies. For instance, in 2017, a revolving door at a luxury hotel in New York malfunctioned, trapping several guests inside for hours. While no one was injured in that incident, it led to a lawsuit that resulted in a settlement and stricter safety regulations for revolving doors in the city.
What This Means for Hotel Guests
For hotel guests, this case serves as a reminder to be cautious when using revolving doors and other mechanical features in public spaces. Experts recommend that individuals take the following precautions:
- Pay attention to warning signs: If a door or escalator appears to be malfunctioning, avoid using it and report the issue to hotel staff.
- Use automatic or standard doors if available: If a revolving door seems unstable or is spinning too fast, opt for a different exit.
- Report safety concerns: Guests should always inform management if they notice any mechanical issues that could pose a risk to others.
The Next Steps in the Lawsuit
As the lawsuit progresses, Truschke’s family will seek to prove that the hotel’s negligence directly led to her injuries and death. The case may involve expert testimony from engineers, safety inspectors, and medical professionals to assess whether the revolving door was truly defective and whether the hotel should have taken action to prevent the accident. If the court rules in favor of the Truschke family, Trump International Hotel may be required to pay a significant financial settlement and implement new safety protocols for revolving doors at its properties.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Diana Truschke has raised significant concerns about guest safety and the maintenance of facilities at major hotels. This lawsuit underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations and promptly addressing known hazards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
