North Carolina is a state located in the Southeastern region of America and has the 9th biggest population at just over 10 million people.

With a pleasant climate, this state has a very diverse economy, leading the nation in the production of tobacco, textiles, and furniture.

More tourists are flocking to North Carolina to visit its major cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, along with its natural attractions like the Appalachian Mountains.

Whether it be a weekend trip or weeklong vacation, there are no shortage of things to do in North Carolina.

Though positive migration and the growing tourism sector is largely positive for the state…

North Carolina has its problems.

One of which is the rise in pests that have been plaguing the state.

The worst of which is the bed bug.

Bed Bugs in North Carolina

Unfortunately, bed bug infestations continue to rise in places across the state.

Major cities like Charlotte and Raleigh are #19 and #15 on Orkin’s list of the top 50 bed bug-infested cities in the country.

Infestations are most common in:

  • Hotels/Motels
  • Apartment Complexes
  • Single Family Homes
  • Schools
  • Hospitals

If you do come in contact with bed bugs there is NO need to panic.

Luckily…

Depending on your circumstance, you may be eligible for a big payout.

North Carolina Bed Bug Lawyers

In the state of North Carolina, property owners can be held liable for damages pertaining to bed bugs on their property.

North Carolina is one of the friendlier states when it comes to bed bug victims, so you should seriously consider your legal options if you experienced injury or financial loss as a result of bed bugs.

Here is an example of an $18,500 payout for victims bitten by bed bugs in their hotel room.

The amount of your payout will depend on these factors:

  • The number of bites endured
  • The level of physical injury
  • The degree of pain & suffering
  • Lost belongings or furniture
  • Lost wages (due to time off work)
  • Cost of a ruined vacation

It’s critical that you get connected with a lawyer immediately after experiencing an infestation. Bed bug lawsuits can be complicated, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the ins and outs of a case.

Due to the statute of limitations, you may not have a case to sue if you wait too long.

Therefore, you should give us a call at (855) 733-9217 immediately for your free consultation.

NC Bed Bug Laws

Bed bug lawsuits can be difficult to navigate due to the gray areas involved in state laws.

Luckily, the state of North Carolina is looking to clear things up with a bill to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords involving bed bugs.

Under current guidelines…

It’s extremely difficult to sort out who is responsible for an infestation.

Is it the landlord who is required to provide a residence that is safe and habitable?

Or is it the tenant who may have carried bed bugs into the rental property?

This bill would require landlords to correct problems with pest infestations (such as bed bugs) that affect the habitability of a residence. It would also prevent landlords from renting a unit that is known to have an active infestation.

A few additional measures that the bill provides:

  1. The tenant must notify landlords within 5 days of discovering an infestation.
  2. The tenant is responsible for subsequent infestations if the premises have been treated and deemed free of bed bugs by a pest control professional.
  3. If pest control came from an adjacent unit, then the tenant from the source unit is responsible for exterminating the bed bugs.

Click here for our complete guide on navigating the landlord vs. tenant relationship during a bed bug dispute.

If you’re a tenant who was injured by bed bugs in your apartment, the best thing to do is get in touch with a lawyer immediately.

Give us a call at (855) 733-9217 for your free consultation.

Bed Bugs in North Carolina Hotels

Unfortunately, due to their revolving door of foot traffic, hotels in the state of North Carolina are hot spots for bed bug outbreaks.

When it comes to bed bugs…

No hotel is immune.

Victims of bed bugs may be able to hold property owners liable for an infestation that occurs in a hotel room.

Why?

Because hotels have a responsibility for the safety and well-being of their guests.

Therefore, they should have the following protocols in place:

  • Education programs for hotel staff when it comes to common bed bug signs and evidence.
  • A reporting process in place when cleaning staff discovers a potential infestation.
  • A list of pest control professionals within the area to be called in the case of an infestation.

Below are some notable locations in North Carolina with reported bed bug complaints:

Steps to Take After a Bed Bug Infestation

If you suspect bed bugs in your apartment or hotel room, you must not panic. It’s critical that you take action immediately and follow the steps below:

Step 1: Identification

There are many insects often mistaken for bed bugs. The first step is to properly diagnose the situation and confirm the insects you’re seeing are in fact bed bugs.

You can either look for live bed bugs, bed bug bites, or common bed bug signs.

These signs include:

  • Red or brown stains on the mattress.
  • Bed bug shells or shed skin.
  • A musty odor.

Step 2: Take Photographic Evidence

Make sure to take pictures of the infestation once it’s confirmed. Whether it be symptoms, live bed bugs, or another sign of an infestation, make sure you get relevant videos/photos.

Step 3: Report the Infestation

The next step is to contact (in writing) the owner or property management and inform them of the situation. Make sure to follow their directions and comply with treatment.

Step 4: Contact a Lawyer

You shouldn’t try and pursue legal action yourself. Bed bug lawsuits can be long and complex, so it’s key that you get in touch with a licensed bed bug injury lawyer in your area who can help you navigate local laws and ordinances.

The value of a bed bug lawsuit will vary, but in some cases, bed bug lawsuit settlements have reached over $1.5 million dollars.

North Carolina Bed Bug Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one experienced injuries or financial loss due to a bed bug infestation, you’re not alone. Our team of experts have connected thousands of victims with lawyers to help fight for maximum compensation.

Submit your case information here or give us a call at (855) 733-9217 for your FREE no-obligation consultation. Our consultations are quick, easy, and totally confidential.