Can I Sue My Landlord for a Bed Bug Infestation?
Anyone who has dealt with bed bugs can tell you how horrific the situation can be. Bedbugs are not simply annoying, they can lead to significant injuries – both physical and psychological. If you live in a rental property and you have had a bed bug infestation, you should know your legal options. You may be able to bring a personal injury claim against your landlord and recover financial compensation for your damages.
Consequences of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that bite people and feed on their blood. They typically live in and around mattresses and bite unsuspecting victims while they are asleep. Bite marks from a bed bug often appear swollen and red and may be itchy and uncomfortable. Sometimes, the bites can become infected. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to a bed bug bite which can be severe.
Knowing that there are parasitic creatures living in your bed would prevent anybody from getting a good night's rest. It is disturbing, to say the least. Unsurprisingly, many people going through a bedbug infestation experience psychological symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, and nightmares. They may spend a significant amount of time and money trying to eradicate the bedbugs and clean their homes to no avail. This can be a very distressing, and often depressing, experience to go through.
One study found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are prevalent in people who have dealt with bed bugs. Individuals who have bed bugs in their homes often deal with paranoia, hypervigilance, and obsessive thoughts. Unfortunately, there is a misunderstanding that bed bugs only occur in dirty environments. Although this is inaccurate, it has created a stigma that only adds to the emotional distress involved with the bedbug infestation.
Landlords Have a Legal Duty to Eradicate Bed Bugs
If you discover bed bugs in your apartment or rental home, make sure to notify your landlord as soon as possible. Florida law requires landlords to take appropriate action to eradicate bed bugs. If a landlord violates Florida law and fails to address a bed bug infestation appropriately, tenants may be able to take legal action against the landlord.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income caused by missed work, and other expenses. You could also potentially recover compensation for the emotional anguish and suffering you experienced because of the bed bug infestation.
Contact our Fort Lauderdale Bed Bug Injury Lawyer
Your landlord may be legally responsible for injuries and expenses caused by a bed bug infestation. Contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers for help taking legal action. Call 800-555-4011 for a free initial consultation.
Sources:
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/10/bed-bug-madness-the-psychological-toll-of-the-blood-suckers/381447/
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/faqs.html
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