A shocking incident of violence at a hotel has led to a lawsuit filed by an injured guest. On July 22, 2024, Thomas J. Kravulski Jr. filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County against Roch Capital, Inc., doing business as Home2 Suites by Hilton Glen Mills Chadds Ford, Newport Hospitality Group, Inc., Roman F. Malec, Courtney Malec, and Zachary Cullen.
The lawsuit stems from an unprovoked attack on January 14, 2023, when Kravulski was staying at the Home2 Suites in Glen Mills Chadds Ford for his son's ice hockey tournament. According to the complaint, Kravulski and other parents were watching football in the hotel lobby when they were confronted by intoxicated members of a wedding party also staying at the hotel. The situation escalated when Roman F. Malec and Zachary Cullen allegedly began a verbal altercation with Kravulski before violently assaulting him by repeatedly punching him in the head and neck area. Both men fled the scene after the attack.
Kravulski sustained severe injuries requiring emergency medical treatment and subsequent surgeries for facial lacerations and nasal fractures. Video surveillance confirmed that Cullen threw eight consecutive punches at Kravulski while he was on the ground. Following police investigations, Malec was charged with disorderly conduct and harassment, while Cullen faced charges including simple assault and public drunkenness.
The complaint alleges that Home2 Suites failed to provide adequate security measures to protect its guests from foreseeable harm. It states that the hotel had a duty to ensure a safe environment but failed to prevent intoxicated individuals from harassing or attacking other guests. "It was unreasonable for Defendant, Home2 Suites, to allow Mr. Cullen and Mr. Malec to return to the hotel lobby after they had initiated a verbal altercation," reads one part of the filing.
Kravulski is seeking judgment against all defendants for negligence resulting in physical harm, emotional distress, loss of income, and future medical expenses. The relief sought includes compensatory damages exceeding the jurisdictional limit requiring compulsory arbitration under Pennsylvania law.
Representing Kravulski are attorneys Patrick J. Doyle Jr., Esquire (ID No.: 203542), and Kelly M. Ciravolo (ID No.: 200565) from Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers based in Wilkes-Barre, PA.