Tampa is a major city in Florida, with an estimated population of around 400 thousand in 2019.
This city is thriving in many ways, with a diversified economy that includes healthcare, insurance, professional sports, and tourism.
Tampa Bay is an up and coming tourism center within the state of Florida.
With an increasing amount of foot traffic…
This city is in fierce development of hotels and apartment buildings.
In Tampa Bay you can visit major attractions like Busch Gardens, The Tampa Riverwalk, and Curtis Hixon Park.
All of this excitement and growth is great for the city itself…
But it does not come without its problems.
Tampa, along with the entire state of Florida, is dealing with a rise in bed bug infestations that is terrorizing its residents and tourists alike.
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Bed Bugs Tampa
According to Orkin’s list of top 50 bed bug cities, Tampa is number 34.
(Not a list you want to be on).
In Tampa, bed bugs are commonly found in locations such as:
- Hotels
- Airbnbs
- Apartments
- Public Gatherings
- Schools
Though bed bugs were largely eradicated in the 1950s…
They have made an astounding comeback.
With the increase in foot traffic around Tampa, and the ability for bed bugs to survive under unstable environmental conditions…
It shouldn’t be understated that this city is facing an epidemic.
Luckily if you experienced bed bugs in any of the above locations…
No need to panic. Because you do have options.
Tampa Bed Bug Lawyer
In the right situation you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for your bed bug injuries or financial losses.
If a property owner has expressed a form of negligence, and knowingly placed you in an apartment or hotel room that is infested…
The owner could be liable for the infestation.
You could receive a payout for injuries such as:
- If you received a significant number of bites (usually over 10).
- If you experienced any adverse health effects or physical reactions from the presence of bed bugs.
- Any pain & suffering that you experienced.
- Emotional trauma such as anxiety, disturbed sleep, or long-term psychological damage.
After you experience bed bugs you should let us connect you with a Tampa personal injury attorney as soon as possible!
You can submit your information here or give us a call at (855) 733-9217.
The longer you wait to talk to a lawyer…
The less likely you will be eligible to receive compensation. So get in touch now!
State Bed Bug Laws
In Florida, landlords are obligated to provide clean and safe living conditions to their tenants.
This includes for buildings such as:
- Apartment Complexes
- Single-Family homes
- Vacation Rentals or Condos
According to Florida statue 83.51:
Unless agreed in writing… Landlords are required to exterminate for bed bugs.
The tenant also has the ability to terminate the rental agreement after 7 days of written notice.
This written notice can also be in the form of a bed bug demand letter.
Landlords in Tampa are required to properly maintain their premises within reason, which contains a maintenance program to inspect and treat bed bug infestations on an ongoing basis.
Since bed bugs are extremely invasive in nature, victims can file personal injury claims against their property owner.
This is especially true because renters insurance does not typically cover pests like bed bugs.
Bed Bugs in Hotels
Similar to landlords, hotel management has a responsibility to the safety of their guests during their hotel stay.
Under Premises liability law within the state of Florida…
Hotels can be held liable for injuries suffered by a hotel guest who has been bitten by bed bugs.
Known bed bug infestations are evidence that the hotel has failed to exercise reasonable care in keeping their rooms safe for guests.
Sadly, within Tampa and across the nation:
More and more hotel guests have been forced to file bed bug lawsuits in order to seek justice for their experiences.
For example:
A few years ago a woman successful sued after suffering bed bug bites in a Holiday Inn hotel room. The result was over a 7-million-dollar verdict.
Many hotels in Tampa have a history of bed bug cases and complaints.
Westin Tampa Bay Bed Bugs (February 2018)
An individual awoke in the middle of the night with a terrible burning and itching sensation on his back. After removing his shirt in the bathroom he observed 6 or 7 huge welts on his body. He immediately went downstairs to inform the desk agent at the hotel. The company was apologetic, and the manager offered to add 5,000 points to the victim’s account.
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Bed Bugs (June 2019)
A woman stayed in room 935 in June for a quick getaway in Tampa. She never suspected bed bugs because the room was extremely clean. She initially experienced bed bugs on her legs but thought it was a rash that simply came up from spending time outdoors. When she came home she began finding bed bugs in her house, and the rashes on her legs got worse. A potential lawsuit for this situation may be currently ongoing.
Below is a video about bed bugs invading a fire station in South Tampa.
I Experienced Bed Bugs in My Hotel Room… What’s Next?
If you were bitten by bed bugs in your hotel…
You should follow these steps.
1. Take Pictures:
Photograph the bites along with any live bed bugs that are present around the room. Be sure to look for any evidence of bed bugs including shed skin, or black/brown spots on the sheets or bedding.
2. Report the Infestation:
Contact hotel management and let them know that you suspect bed bugs. They should immediately move you to a different room so that you’re safe from further bites.
3. Gather Evidence:
Compile the pictures you took, along with any hospital bills or other expenses you experienced as a direct result of the infestation.
4. Get a Lawyer:
Contact us to quickly get connected with a licensed lawyer that can help you through next steps.
Keep in mind that you should not accept a refund or any compensation directly from the hotel before you talk to a lawyer.
This could ultimately hurt your case for a lawsuit.
Are There Really Bed Bugs in Tampa, FL?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
No city in America is immune to bed bugs, and in fact, there have been reported bed bug cases in all 50 states.
That being said…
What are bed bugs exactly?
The common bed bug (otherwise known as Cimex Lectularius) is a small flat insect that feeds solely on the blood of people.
(and sometimes your pets…but rarely)
These creatures are reddish-brown, and about ¼ inch in size. These insects are very resilient, as in some cases they can survive up to 1 year without a meal.
Do bed bugs spread disease?
Luckily, unlike similar insects such as Ticks…
Bed bugs don’t typically spread disease. In fact in many people symptoms from bed bug bites can be quite mild, or may not even show up at all.
Though in others with more sensitive skin…
These bites can blow up into large red welts that can blister or scar if excessive scratching occurs.
For the most part bed bugs usually cause more emotional damage than physical.
Bed Bug Attorney Tampa Fl
Have you or a loved one been injured by bed bugs in your hotel room or apartment in Tampa? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and expenses. Give us a call at (855) 733-9217 for you free consultation. These consultations are completely confidential, and a lawyer will be in touch to evaluate your case and help determine next steps.