Washington DC, otherwise known as the District of Columbia, is one of the country’s biggest destination spots.
This city sits on the Potomac river, and borders both Maryland and Virginia.
As one of the most visited cities in the country, it boasts a major tourism economy.
Washington D.C. has around 20 million visitors annually which is 25x more than its estimated population…
Which is around 700,000 (As of July 2019).
With over 200 foreign embassies, hundreds of political related tourist attractions, and many major universities:
DC is considered one of America’s most densely populated cities.
Though the city is thriving economically, the degree of foot traffic and population density contributes to some of its biggest problems.
One of which is the bed bug.
As the number of reported infestations has dramatically increased over the past decade.
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Bed Bugs Washington DC
According to Orkin’s list of top bed bug cities in 2020, Washington D.C. is the #1 worst city for bed bugs.
In D.C. most bed bug infestations occur in the following locations:
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Single Family Homes
- Public Transit
- Schools
If you were the unlucky victim of bed bugs…There is NO reason to panic.
Depending on the situation…
You do have options.
Bed Bug Lawyers in DC
In the case of financial losses or injuries from bed bugs, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible.
It’s important to be proactive if you’re a victim of a landlord, or hotel management that has failed to property deal with bed bugs.
First and foremost, you should treat your injuries, and make sure you have documented complaints to property management.
These complaints could include evidence of your initial report, your expenses, and in some cases…
Complaints can even be in the form of a demand letter.
After you have some evidence, you can contact your local health department to learn about past infestations that have occurred at the property.
To help discuss your unique situation…
Make sure to get connected with a licensed personal injury lawyer for your free consultation.
Case evaluations are quick and easy. There are also NO fees unless you win your case.
Bed Bug D.C. Law
When it comes to renters, the current laws in D.C. are not very friendly.
If a tenant experiences bed bugs, it’s currently up to them to bear the expenses, unless they can prove the origin of the infestation.
When it comes to multi-unit complexes, tenants can take certain action if they can prove bed bugs came from their neighbors.
To help renters, DC has introduced the Bed Bug Control Act.
This piece of legislation can help victims of bed bugs in 3 ways:
- It builds incentives for victims to seek professional bed bug treatment right away (before it has a chance to spread).
- It allows tenants to identify neighbors that have bed bugs and compel them to take action.
- It encourages communities within an apartment complex to collaborate on treatment and recovery.
Bed Bugs in D.C. Hotels
The language within the Bed Bug Control Act is specifically geared toward renters and property owners…
But what about victims of bed bugs in hotels?
Hotels can be liable for bed bugs in their rooms if they show negligence in either the maintenance of the property, or the unwillingness to take action against a known health hazard.
Claims of bed bugs could fall under the “premises liability” theory of negligence. This calls for hotels to follow strict protocols to take care of health problems such as bed bugs.
If a hotel guest is exposed to bed bugs and is injured as a result of the hotel’s failure to either inspect rooms, or treat a known infestation…
The hotel could be responsible for injuries.
There should be protocols in place when it comes to pests such as bed bugs.
These include:
- Educating hotel staff on how to properly identify a bed bug.
- Make sure hotel rooms are kept clean and free of clutter.
- If an infestation is suspected, ensure there are protocols for swift action.
- Execute periodic room inspections.
Hotel Bed Bug Cases
Below are some complaints from victims who have experienced bed bugs in Washington D.C. hotels.
JW Marriott Washington D.C. Bed Bugs
Here is an example of a complaint about bed bugs against the JW Marriot from February 2017.
This hotel had Bed Bugs and REFUSED to offer any help or refund for the room. Shameful. I will never stay at a JW or Marriott brand hotel again. They pissed me off when they could have done the right thing by offering a simple apology and moving my room, offering medical help, and the kind gesture of a refund for the night I was eaten alive. (source: tripadvisor)
Grand Hyatt Washington D.C. Bed Bugs
Here is an example of a complaint about bed bugs against the Grand Hyatt.
After I booked the room I checked the bedbugreport and they had several reports of bedbugs. I called and spoke with the head of housecleaning and he said that they had not had a ‘confirmed’ incident in the past 3 months and that prior to the 3 months he could not comment upon. That was NOT enough for me and I cancelled my reservation with a 48 hour notice. (Read the rest on Trip Advisor).
Other notable DC hotels:
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- River Inn
- Embassy Suites
- Fairmont Washington D.C.
- Hotel Palomar
- Churchill Hotel
D.C. Bed Bug Lawsuit
If you have been bitten by bed bugs anywhere in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area you may be able to file a lawsuit.
Depending on the situation you could potentially sue under the following causes of action.
Intentional infliction of emotional distress:
Occurs when an individual purposely causes you emotional distress. This would be as a result of extreme or outrageous conduct.
Breach of contract:
This is a legal cause of action where there is a binding agreement for some type of exchange. Breach of contract occurs when the exchange is not honored by one of the parties involved.
Breach of the warranty of habitability
This is either expressly mentioned or implied in every lease agreement. This deals with the right of a renter to live in a premise that is considered habitable.
Negligence:
The failure to exercise the appropriate action that is expected under a specified circumstance. In the case of bed bugs it would mean causing harm to a victim by failure to act as a form of carelessness.
If you are able to sue for bed bugs from one of the above causes of action, you could potentially receive compensation for any of the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income due to time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological damage
- Physical injury
- Property damage
Washington DC Bed Bug Lawyers
If you or a loved one experienced bed bugs in your apartment or hotel room, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Don’t wait to seek justice for your injuries, as we will connect you with lawyers who try and get you maximum compensation.
Get your FREE consultation today! Or call us at (855) 733 9217 to talk to a specialist.