Fort Lauderdale Bed Bugs Lawyers

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are small and oval-shaped, with two antennae and six legs. While they are normally dark brown and flat, they become reddish-brown and balloon-shaped as they feed on human blood.

Common Injuries Caused by Bed Bugs

Waking up and discovering that you’ve been attacked by bed bugs can be extremely distressing. In some cases, bites may not appear until days later. While bed bugs do not carry any known pathogens or diseases, no one should have to endure the physical and emotional trauma resulting from an encounter with bed bugs. Some of the most common injuries resulting from a bed bugs attack may include:

• Severe skin rashes
• Welts
• Itching, blistering of the skin
• Post-bite bacterial infections
• Allergic reactions
• Mental anguish and psychological damage (insomnia, fear, anxiety, paranoia, PTSD)
• Permanent scarring

What to Do After a Bed Bug Attack

A bed bug infestation is traumatic no matter where it occurs—whether it’s at a hotel, in your own home, or in another public facility. If you have been injured by bed bugs, we suggest you take the following proactive steps to preserve your rights and begin the process of building a strong claim:

• Document your injuries and property damage by taking pictures of the bed bugs and bites, as well as any blood stains on sheets
• Create a written report with details about the attack including the date it occurred, location, and any and all witnesses who have knowledge of the attack
• Create a list of belongings that have been damaged and need to be replaced
• If possible, trap a few bed bugs for evidence
• Report the bed bug infestation to your landlord/apartment manager or hotel front desk and/or management
• Seek medical attention at an emergency room, urgent care or dermatologist
• Contact the local county health department and ask them to visit the site of infestation and create a report
• Keep track of all your receipts for cleaning bills, extermination costs, medical costs, and travel expenses

It is crucial that you do not sign a release document presented to you by a landlord or hotel without speaking with an attorney. If you sign this document, you are essentially waiving your right to file a claim against the negligent party and will be unable to seek compensation for your injury.

Is My Landlord Liable for Bed Bugs?

According to Statute 83.51 of the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords are responsible for eradicating bed bugs from the premises. Every landlord in Florida must ensure that their properties are habitable or fit for human occupancy. However, the mere presence of bed bugs in your apartment does not automatically give rise to landlord liability. Rather, you need to prove that your landlord did the following:

• Failed to follow industry-standard bed bug inspection and treatment procedures
• Failed to disclose known histories of bed bug infestations in the apartment building
• Failed to repair or remedy the beg bug infestation

I Was Attacked by Bed Bugs in a Hotel. Is the Hotel Liable?

If you recently stayed at a hotel that was infested by bed bugs, you may be entitled to compensation. Hotel owners and staff owe a duty to guests to provide a safe and habitable environment that is free from knowable hazards. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if:

• The hotel owner failed to warn you of a pre-existing bed bug infestation
• The hotel owner, housekeeping, and/or maintenance staff did not properly inspect for bed bugs
• The hotel owner, housekeeping, and/or maintenance staff did not implement proper procedures or protocols for bed bugs

If you or a loved one are a victim of a bed bug attack, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Compensation for a bed bug lawsuit can range from the thousands to the hundreds of thousands of dollars. These settlement amounts can be determined according to factors such as number of people affected, conduct and liability of the at-fault party, and the extent of the actual damages sustained. Make sure to file an injury report with the front desk clerk or property manager. Obtain the person’s name and contact information. Inquire about when the room was last inspected and cleaned and get the names of the cleaning company or cleaning staff. To learn more about your legal options, contact our office at 954-763-4950.