Mississippi

Mississippi is the 34^th most populous state in America, and is located in the Deep South region of the country.

This state’s economy is built upon Entertainment/Tourism & Manufacturing. Since it’s considered a “right to work” state, it is home to some major automotive factories.

With attractions such as legal gambling (as of 1990), the Vicksburg National Military Park, and the birthplace of Elvis Presley…

There are worse places to spend a weekend.

This growing tourism economy has led to an increase in foot traffic, for new residents as well as travelers.

All of this growth is great for the state itself….

But does not come without its problems.

A major problem in fact, is the growth of bed bug infestations in the state of Mississippi.

Mississippi Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have created an epidemic in this country. With the state of Mississippi hit especially hard.

With the increase in travelers, along with an increasing resiliency to common pesticides, bed bugs have made an impressive comeback.

Common places bed bugs are found include:

• Hotels
• Airbnb’s
• Apartment Complexes
• Single Family Homes
• Public Transit Facilities

If you experienced bed bugs in any of the above locations in Mississippi…

Luckily you do have options.

Mississippi Bed Bug Lawyer

You may be eligible for compensation for the injuries and financial losses you experienced as a result of bed bugs.

Property owners such as landlords or hotel management could be liable for your injuries.

(Depending on the situation).

The amount of money you could receive will depend on a variety of factors.

These include:

Level of Injury

• The number of bites you experienced
• If you experienced any serious symptoms (allergic reactions, trouble breathing etc.)
• Any pain & suffering
• Psychological damage (anxiety, trouble sleeping, depression)

Level of Expenses

• Medical Costs (medication, hospital visits etc.)
• Cost of a ruined vacation
• Expenses related to lost or damaged belongings
• Lost wages (due to time off work)

If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your hotel room or apartment, and/or experienced any of the above injuries related to bed bugs…

You should get in touch for your FREE bed bug case evaluation.

A lawyer will connect with you to discuss your unique bed bug experience and help determine if you have a case.

There are ZERO fees unless you win your case.

Mississippi Bed Bug Laws

According to Mississippi state law, a landlord must provide a habitable dwelling for his/her residents.

This means complying with all health codes that result in a safe and healthy environment.

Though no statute is given specifically for bed bugs…

It can be proven that these pests create a health hazard for tenants, making their living environment uninhabitable.

For this reason, in the right situation, landlords CAN be liable for a bed bug infestation in Mississippi.

When it comes to the landlord vs. Tenant financial responsibility, proving the origin of the infestation is critical.

As a tenant, you should ask yourself the following questions:

1. Can I prove that bed bugs were present before I moved in?  

2. Have I lived in my apartment for more than 1-year bed bug-free?

3. If I live in an apartment complex or multifamily building, do any of my neighbors have bed bugs? 

Once you can answer any of the above questions, you should get in touch with an attorney to discuss your options.

Do NOT WAIT to contact a lawyer, because you’re at risk with the statute of limitations.

This law specifies the amount of time a person is eligible to file a lawsuit after the date of the bed bug incident.

According to Mississippi Law:

(Miss. Code Section 15-1-49) plaintiffs in a bed bug injury case have 3 years from the date of the incident to file a claim.

Helpful Resources

The Mississippi Department of Health is always a helpful resource for more information about bed bugs, and can help investigate in certain situations.

According to the Department of Health, they do not investigate or remove bed bugs from:

• Private residences
• Rental properties
• Apartments
• Hotels

They do however, investigate reports of bed bugs at:

• Child care facilities
• Nursing homes
• Personal care homes
• Other licensed facilities regulated by the state.

Bed Bugs Hotels Mississippi

One of the last things anyone wants to see in their hotel room is bed bugs.

Unfortunately, since hotels are a revolving door of foot traffic, they tend to be very attractive for parasites like bed bugs.

If you suspect bed bugs in your hotel room the key is to identify these insects properly, as many similar bugs are mistaken for actual bed bugs.

Once you’re confident there are bed bugs in your room…

You should take the following steps:

1. Take Pictures:

Using your phone, take pictures/videos of the live bugs, your bites, or any other evidence of an infestation in the hotel room.

2. Report the Infestation:

Contact hotel management and let them know that an infestation exists. Make sure to document all conversations properly.

3. Bag up Your Belongings:

Seal all of your belongings in plastic bags and leave the hotel room immediately.

4. Contact a Lawyer:

Compile/organize all of the evidence you have gathered and get in touch with a lawyer immediately for your free consultation.

What if management is not taking my claim seriously?

If hotel management does not respond to you or brushes off the fact that you reported bed bugs.

You can consider crafting a demand letter to let the hotel know the seriousness of the situation and that you will take legal action if necessary.

Mississippi Hotel Cases

Broadway Inn (April 18^th, 2014)

A man checked into the Broadway Inn in Mississippi for a 1-week stay. After the first night, this man woke up with terrible itching at around 9 am, and then quickly observed multiple bites on his arms.

This man desperately wanted to change hotels, but could not afford to because the hotel would not refund his money. Not able to stomach the pain from bed bugs anymore, this man went to the emergency room at Forrest General Hospital to seek medical attention.

Luckily, attorneys were able to recover compensation, that included reimbursement for this man’s medical expenses, discarded personal belongings, and lost wages.

(As well as pain and suffering).  

Read the full case story here.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Biloxi MS (December 2^nd, 2017)

A couple found live bed bugs on their sheets. After they experienced bites, they confirmed what bed bug bites looked like from comparing pictures online. They took one dead bug to the front desk to show management, who denied the situation. After the couple experienced multiple bites, as well as emotional trauma, they decided to file a lawsuit that is currently ongoing.

The below video is footage taken by an individual confronting a clerk at the Regency Inn, in Greenwood Mississippi.

Bed Bug Lawyers in Mississippi

Have you or a loved one experienced bed bugs in a Mississippi hotel or apartment? If so, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your injuries. We can connect you with a lawyer that will discuss your unique situation, and help you decide whether you should file a lawsuit. Our consultations are completely free, and you pay NOTHING unless you win your case.