Bed bugs are small, brown insects that feed on human blood. They often hide in bedding, clothing, and other soft surfaces, coming out at night to feed. They can cause painful bites and emotional distress. In some cases, bites can cause allergic reactions. Bed bugs also move with humans, so if someone is affected by bed bugs in a hotel, bed bugs may follow them home. Bed bugs breed quickly and a serious infestation can happen fast.
A bed bug legal claim is one option that can help you pay for medical bills, eradication, and emotional distress. If you’re a renter, legal action can make sure your landlord takes adequate action to eradicate the problem.
The legal team at Flaxman Law Group has worked with plaintiffs who have been affected by bed bugs. We have advocated to ensure those who have been harmed get a chance to seek a resolution or fair compensation.
Who Is Responsible?
In many cases, bed bug claims are premises liability claims. They can involve many liable parties.
- Hotels and Airbnb hosts. If you stay at a motel, bed and breakfast, hotel, short term rental, or any accommodation, the owners of the property have an obligation to keep you safe. This may mean placing anti-bed bug covers over mattresses and bedding and thoroughly cleaning between guests. When accommodations fail to do so and you’re injured as a result, you may have a claim.
- Landlords. In Florida, landlords have an obligation to provide you with a habitable premises, and that means eradicating bed bugs if they exist. If your landlord refuses to take adequate action to get rid of bed bugs, working with an attorney can help. An attorney may be able to take action to compel your landlord to make your home safe.
- Retailers. When you buy bedding, furniture, mattresses, and other items you expect these products to be safe and in good condition. If retailers are negligent in keeping their shops clean or in managing customer returns and you get bed bugs as a result, you may have a claim.
- Nursing homes. Bed bug infestations can be a serious danger for elderly residents of nursing homes and retirement homes. Bed bug bites can lead to allergic reactions and infections, which may be harder for seniors to fend off.
- Schools and public spaces. Camps, cabins, community centers, schools, colleges, and other spaces all need to be kept safe by property owners. When property owners are not careful and a bed bug infestation causes losses to you, you may have a claim.
One challenge is that it can be difficult to prove exactly where a bed bug infestation began. This can lead to finger pointing if you file a claim. An experienced attorney knows how to gather evidence in your case to help strengthen your claim and has the experience to seek compensation from liable parties.
What Should I Do If You Notice Bed Bugs?
If you notice bed bugs or bed bug bites, start by taking care of your health. If you notice welts or hives form on any bites or develop any other symptoms, seek medical attention.
As soon as possible, start documenting. If you can, catch a few of the insects in a glass bottle. This will help you determine if you are dealing with bedbugs or another pest. Take photos of the bugs and any bites you sustain. Report the insects to your landlord or to the hotel, school, or other business who has the infestation. Get a copy of the incident report, if possible, or keep copies of any emails or letters you send about the problem. This information can help your case.
You may also want to speak with a bed bug injury claims attorney in your Florida community. An attorney can work to find a resolution, whether you’re seeking compensation or whether you need your landlord to call an exterminator.
Unfortunately, bed bug claims are common in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding areas. If you think you may have a bed bug claim, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online to set up a free, no obligation consultation. It’s your chance to find out whether you have a claim and to discuss what your next actions could be.