How do I know if I’ve been bitten by bed bugs?

Bed bugs typically bite in groups of three. They typically appear as swollen, red bumps that may be itchy or irritating. However, every individual reacts differently to bed bug bites and some may not react at all. If you suspect you came in contact with bed bugs you should immediately inspect the bed you slept in for bed bug nests and/or bed bug fecal stains. Take photographs of anything you find during your inspection. You should also take photographs of your injuries at the onset and over time as your injuries may change in appearance.

Aside from the bites and itchiness, you may also experience insomnia, anxiety, and scarring at the location of the bites. Most individuals who come in contact with bed bugs will immediately seek medical treatment to verify they did not contract an infection or disease from being in contact with a bed bug infestation.

Can I sue my landlord for bed bugs?

Yes. Renters who enter into a lease agreement for a unit that ends up having an ongoing bed bug infestation may be able to file a claim against their landlord(s) and property management company if negligent actions or other improper behavior caused or failed to prevent the existence of a bed bug infestation. To determine if you have a valid claim against your landlord and/or property management company, contact our experienced bed bug lawyers today for a free consultation.

I stayed in a hotel room that I think may have had bed bugs. Do I need to throw everything away?

If you think you came in contact with a bed bug infestation during a recent hotel stay, you should immediately contact an experienced bed bug lawyer to discuss your options.

You should notify hotel management about the incident, including providing them with your room number. It is important you take down the name and contact information of the individual the report was made with. You should also report the incident to the applicable department of health.

It is common for people who think they came in contact with a bed bug infestation to discard of the belongings they brought with them to the infested room out of fear of spreading the infestation. If you decide to discard of any belongings it is important you prepare a detailed, itemized list of each item discarded and if possible, take photographs of the items prior to discard.

Alternatively, you may be able to prevent spreading the infestation into your home by washing and drying the items in the hottest water possible and by putting any affected items in a dryer for 30 minutes (at least) on high heat to kill the bed bugs.

Can I sue a hotel for bed bugs?

Yes. If you came in contact with a bed bug infestation during a recent hotel stay you may be able to sue and recover damages for your injuries. An experienced bed bug lawyer will be able to advise you on your options. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

How do I get rid of bed bugs, and how long do their bites last?

The best way to get rid of a bed bug infestation in by treating the contaminated items with high treatments or discarding of the contaminated items prior to bringing them into your home.

Most bed bug bites heal within one to two weeks but their residual impact can take months or even years to heal. Several individuals experience scaring/discoloration at the location of the bites and welts and most suffer anxiety and loss of sleep. Typically, undergoing dermatology and psychological treatments will help shorten the recovery process.

How do I prove that bed bugs were present?

The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” never rang more true than in a personal injury case. Taking photographs of your injuries, of the room and of any proof you find of an ongoing bed bug infestation will help to strengthen your case. Another strong way to build your bed bug case is to seek medical attention so a skilled medical provider can document and verify your injuries.

Anything that occurs after you come in contact with a bed bug infestation should be documented. You should document the names and contact information of each individual you speak with about the infestation, gather records and bills from each medical appointment you attend and keep a journal with every entry separated by date, outlining your situation. The more detailed you are the more capable a bed bug lawyer will be at assisting you with a claim.

Should I sign and agree to a settlement from a furniture store I got bed bugs from?

No. You should never sign a legal document without first consulting with an experienced attorney. Signing a settlement agreement without first seeking assistance from an attorney could jeopardize your recovery. Not only can it prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve, but you may have no recourse if you settle early and later find out your damages are more severe.

Insurance carriers and companies know unrepresented individuals are likely to accept lower offers. Contact an experienced lawyer immediately if a furniture store attempts to make a settlement offer for bed bug infested furniture.

What is the value of my bed bug case?

While there is no concrete formula for determining the worth of a bed bug case, there are some factors to assist in determining the value of your claim. For instance, the number of bites can be an indicator of the severity of the infestation.

Additionally, whether the property owner knew or should have known about the infestation is also an important factor in determining compensation, as is the history of infestations at the property. Bed bug cases are pursued on a case-by-case basis, call a bed bug attorney today for help reviewing your potential case.

What type of compensation can I receive for bed bug injuries or complications?

When dealing with the aftermath of coming in contact with a bed bug infestation there are several damages you can seek compensation for such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, property damages (including clothing, furniture, personal items, luggage, etc.), medical expenses, lost wages, transportation costs, temporary housing, and future pain and suffering. An experienced bed bug lawyer will be able to help you determine which type(s) of compensation you may be eligible for.

What happens once I hire a bed bug lawyer?

Once you hire a bed bug injury lawyer, our experienced personal injury team will immediately determine who the negligent parties are and put them on notice of the claim. We will obtain any past infestation information available, and request other relevant information such as; related medical records, photographs of the bed bug bites, photographs of the infestation, incident reports, receipts, extermination invoices, and more.

Bed Bug Injury Law will spend countless hours working on crafting the strongest case to further your position in an attempt to secure the highest amount possible to compensate you for your injuries.

How much does it cost to pursue a bed bug claim?

Most bed bug claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. “Contingency” means that it does not cost the client anything out of pocket to pursue a claim.

If a resolution is reached, then any fees and costs due would typically come out of what the opposing side pays. However, each case is unique so you should always review and understand all terms related to fees and costs before moving forward with any office.

How long will it take to resolve my bed bug case?

The expected time frame for resolving a claim involving bed bug injuries will differ considerably for each case. The length of time it takes can depend on some of the following factors, and more:

  • The severity of the injuries
  • The seriousness of the infestation
  • The evidence gathered
  • The property where the incident occurred
  • Who, if anyone, insures the property

One of the biggest factors that impact the length of a case is whether the opposing side is agreeable to settlement discussions. Generally, cases that settle take less time to resolve than those that go to court, but each case is unique. Some cases can be settled in a few months, while certain complex cases can take years, or may never resolve.

What are some factors that bed bug injury law will use to seek compensation?

What are some factors that bed bug injury law will use to seek compensation?
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your claim, our firm may be able to support you in seeking compensation for damages such as:

Medical Expenses – Any medical treatment or hospitalization that was endured as a result of your bed bug infestation. These could possibly be expenses for doctor visits, medication, or transportation assistance to get to appointments.

Lost Wages – If you experienced physical, mental, or emotional harm as a result of the bed bug infestation and had to go on unpaid leave from work or suffered some other damage, we may be able to seek compensation for your lost income.

Pain & Suffering – When you endure discomfort, anxiety, or emotional trauma as a result of your injuries, you could be compensated for it. It’s good to keep a journal or a written record of your pain to present as part of your bed bug claim.

Property Damage – This involves any belongings that were ruined or had to be thrown out as a result of encountering a bed bug infestation. Whether you had to throw away the items you took to a hotel, or if you brought bed bugs home with you.

In situations where someone unknowingly brings a bed bug infestation home with them, their furniture, clothes, or other belongings may need to be discarded as a result of the infestation. Whatever the extent of your damages, you will want to keep an itemized list and photograph the items before discarding them

How much do bed bug cases settle for on average?

It is impossible to estimate how much a bed bug personal injury case might settle for, as the amount of any settlement is dependent on various factors. These considerations could include the extent of the injuries or health problems caused by bed bugs, the amount of medical bills and other damages incurred as a result of the infestation, and the strength of the evidence supporting the claim, among other factors.

It is important to note that each case is unique, and the ultimate settlement amount will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Moreover, some cases never resolve, or are unsuccessful in court. 

If you are considering pursuing a personal injury claim related to a bed bug incident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who is experienced in handling bed bug cases and can help you understand your options after evaluating your case. 

To take a look at some of our past bed bug case resolutions, you can look here. However, it is important to keep in mind that individual results will vary, and that some case resolutions are rare outliers.

Can I get compensation if I brought the bed bugs home with me?

It depends. If you are able to establish that you encountered a bed bug infestation at a hotel, and brought it home with you, you may be able to seek reimbursement for all expenses incurred as a result.

These additional damages could be related to the cost of removing the infestation from your home, any furniture (bed, couch, dresser etc.) that was damaged or ruined as a result of bed bugs, or any injuries to other residents of your home. 

Whatever damages you suffer it is important to photograph everything before discarding of anything, and to keep an itemized list of those damages, including copies of any receipts you have.