One of the most common pests in Austin, Texas, are not rodents or termites, but actually, bed bugs. And these pests may be taking shelter in your home at this very instant. The top places where you can encounter bed bugs in Austin are family homes, apartments, and hotels.
If you want to help prevent a potential bed bug infestation, periodic inspections of your home and furniture are key. Although, bed bugs are not attracted to dirt; vacuuming, changing the sheets, dusting, etc. can be beneficial in catching a bed bug infestation early.
However, what happens if you’re suffering from a bed bug infestation at no fault of your own? Or if your landlord neglects your building and leaves a bed bug infestation untreated?
You may have a potential bed bug claim in situations like these.
Let’s take a closer look at bed bug infestations in Austin, Texas and see whether the lawyers at Bed Bug Injury Law may be able to help.
Bed Bug Infestations in Austin
Bed bug infestations are a common problem across the United States, and there isn’t a single state that is immune to these pesky creatures. Many people believe that the population of bed bugs has been on the rise recently, mainly due to urbanization and increased travel.
But what does this mean for Austin, Texas?
Unfortunately, like all U.S. cities, this is a city with a growing bed bug problem. Bed bugs typically thrive in warm places, so hot summers in Austin are ideal for these pests. Of course, bed bugs can be controlled. As mentioned, conducting periodic inspections of your home and surroundings can help you stay on top of a potential bed bug infestation.
The problem at hand is that many landlords and hotel staff don’t do all that they should to keep their buildings clean and free of bed bugs. Even when they’re aware of a bed bug problem, they may not take responsibility, and may not take care of the infestations properly.
If you’re staying in a place where there is a bed bug infestation due to negligence, you might have a potential case.
Steps to Take if You Encounter Bed Bugs in Austin
There are a few hotel chains in Austin that have been known to have significant problems with bed bugs. Some of them are surprising as they’re considered to be luxury hotels, so you wouldn’t expect any negligence on their part, but no hotel is immune to bed bugs. Bed bugs are a common nuisance in rental apartments as well.
Your primary responsibility is to keep yourself safe. Whenever you book a room in a hotel or stay at a new place, you should look for signs of a bed bug infestation the minute you arrive.
These pests commonly hide in dark and warm places, so don’t just check the beds. Check all the furniture, closets, rugs, and more. If you see signs of infestation, take pictures, then immediately contact your landlord or hotel manager.
Common signs of infestation are:
- Adult bed bugs: small oval-shaped, reddish-brown insects
- Bed bug eggs: tiny pearl white barrel-shaped eggs
- Bed bug waste: dark brown spots on bed sheets, couches, carpet, etc.
If you need to call in the professionals for an evaluation or disinfection, make sure to keep all the receipts and documentation. This will be crucial if you contact a bed bug lawyer. This evidence will help the lawyer determine if you have a case.
When to Hire a Bed Bug Lawyer
Once you’ve ensured that you’re protected, you may want to contact an experienced bed bug lawyer. Our Austin, Texas bed bug injury lawyers may be able to offer representation on a pre-litigation basis.
If a lawyer is able to extend representation to you, they will ensure that you’re informed about your options and will give you advice on what you can do next. They will help you prepare your claim to be as strong as possible.
If you have suffered damages such as physical injury, property damage, or more, a bed bug lawyer might be able to help you get the appropriate compensation. Be sure to contact a reliable Austin bed bug lawyer immediately if you suspect a bed bug infestation as the result of others’ negligence.
What Happens During A Bed Bug a Claim?
Bed bug cases are rarely brought to court, as an agreement can typically be reached without the presence of a judge. Our bed bug lawyers and representatives in Austin, Texas, may be able to help with your bed bug case during the pre-litigation stage.
If they are able to take on your case, a lawyer can help you organize the evidence that the bed bug infestation was not caused by you and negotiate on your behalf.
Pieces of evidence can include medical bills if you’ve suffered from bed bug bites, lost wages from potential time off work to deal with the consequences of the bed bug infestation, and more. It is important to keep written documentation of the damages you have suffered as a result of being exposed to bed bugs.
Contact Austin Bed Bug Lawyers Today
You don’t need to deal with a bed bug infestation on your own. If a third party caused the infestation, our bed bug lawyers might be able to help you seek out the appropriate compensation for your pain and suffering.
Contact us today if you believe you may have a bed bug case!