Austin is the capital city of the state of Texas and is the 11th most populous city in the United States.
With vibrant entertainment and culture, Austin is an attractive destination for a long weekend or family event.
Not only has the city seen a boom in tourism…
But also an influx of new residents.
Considered a major center for high tech, thousands of people flock to the city to fuel Austin’s technology and defense sectors.
This positive migration is great for the city’s economy and growth, though it does not come without its problems.
Austin has been experiencing a major pest epidemic.
The worst of which is the common bed bug.
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Austin Bed Bugs
Unfortunately, when it comes to bed bug infestations….
No city is immune.
These pests spread quickly, and have infested major cities across Texas including Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston.
Bed bugs are most commonly found in areas such as:
- Hotels/Motels
- Apartments
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Public Transportation
Luckily, if you suffered from bed bugs in Austin you may be eligible for a payout in the form of a bed bug lawsuit.
Austin, TX Bed Bug Lawyer
If you suffered damages, whether it be physical injuries or financial loss due to bed bugs you may be able to hold the property owner liable.
Whether it be in hotels or apartment complexes, property management has an obligation to provide their customers with a safe and habitable living area.
A bed bug infestation can be in violation of that obligation.
As bed bug cases have continued to increase over the past couple of decades, the number of bed bug lawsuits have as well.
These lawsuits can sometimes result in 6 or 7 figure settlements depending on the situation.
Here is an example:
In June 2017 a male traveled to Austin for business. After the first night, the individual received bed bug bites on his arms and legs. After the second night, the bites swelled and required professional medical treatment.
After months of investigation and negotiation, lawyers were able to achieve a settlement of $10,000 for the client.
If you were injured due to bed bugs in Austin, you should get in touch with us for your free case evaluation. Consultations are quick & easy, and a lawyer will help determine whether you have a case for a lawsuit.
Click here to submit your case information and get connected with a lawyer. You can also give us a call at (855) 733-9217.
How to Determine the Value of a Bed Bug Settlement
The financial value of a bed bug lawsuit can vary widely. There are many factors that can either tank a case or cause it to be worth millions.
Here are some of those critical factors:
- The Number of Bites
The number of bites endured by bed bugs can impact the level of physical injury, thus impacting the value of a settlement. If you endured bites in the double digits, or multiple victims received bites from the same infestation…. This can raise the value of a lawsuit.
- Pain & Suffering
Often times the emotional damage and mental anguish from bed bugs can far outweigh the physical injuries.
When in the midst of an infestation it can feel like these bugs are everywhere with no end in sight. Suffering can include anxiety, disturbed sleep, social isolation, depression, or long term psychological damage as a result of bed bugs.
- Lost Belongings
Damaged or lost belongings can add to the level of financial damage you experienced. If you had to throw out clothes or furniture, you should document the value of all of those items as evidence for your case.
- Lost Wages/Ruined Vacation
This includes whether you had to cut your vacation short as a result of bed bugs, or if you had to take time off work while focusing on bed bug recovery/removal.
For more information on the value of a bed bug lawsuit in 2020, you can check out our complete guide.
Texas Bed Bug Laws
Under section 341.011 and 34.012 of the Texas Health and Safety Code:
Bed bugs are deemed a public health nuisance, and individuals who own property are required to remove a public health nuisance as soon as it is discovered.
If a bed bug problem persists and a tenant reports an infestation to local authorities, the landlord can face legal trouble.
Landlords in Texas are also held responsible under the Implied Warranty of Habitability. This is a doctrine that requires landlords to put tenants in a healthy living environment.
Though as a tenant, this does not absolve you of bed bug obligations.
There are instances where the tenant can be held responsible.
These include:
- The tenant leaves debris outside their building.
- The tenant doesn’t properly discard of food and waste which subsequently creates a pest problem.
- The tenant brings an infested piece of furniture into the apartment building.
Though there is an ongoing debate between tenants and landlords when it comes to responsibility for bed bugs…
Texas is one of the states with concrete laws.
These laws help try and remove the ambiguity when it comes to determining financial responsibility.
Bed Bug Details & Facts
Knowing what to look for is the first step toward identifying an infestation.
There are 9 other bugs that look like bed bugs, which can make it difficult to be sure of the pest infestation you’re experiencing.
Here are some details on the appearance of bed bugs (Cimex Lectularius).
- Bug bugs are about the size of a pumpkin seed (at ¼ inch long).
- They’re flat with oval-shaped bodies (when fed they can become engorged).
- They have “true” bug characteristics including a beak, 3 segments, and antenna.
Though these insects can’t travel fast on their own, they’re masters at spreading.
This is because bed bugs travel by hitchhiking.
They will climb into your luggage, handbags, clothes, or even places on your body and travel with you.
This is why if you suspect bed bugs at a temporary residence (hotel, Airbnb etc.) you should wash/dry all of your belongings on high heat before you get home.
Don’t be the person who carelessly brings bed bugs home with you, risking the safety of your family.
Austin Bed Bug Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or financial loss due to bed bugs, you may be eligible to file a bed bug lawsuit. We can connect you with a licensed personal injury lawyer in your area who can discuss your case.
Make sure to give us a call for your free, no-obligation consultation.
There are no fees unless you win your case. Let us help you get an attorney that will fight for maximum compensation.
The longer you wait, the harder it is to file for a lawsuit so get in touch with us today!
