Atlanta is the capital, and biggest city in the state of Georgia. With an estimated population of half a million in 2018, Atlanta is considered the 37th most populous city in the U.S.
Considered the capital city of the Southeast, Atlanta has experienced unprecedented growth of nearly 40% in the past decade. Easy to tell by the ever-changing skyline, constructed in Midtown, Buckhead, and the outer perimeter.
This city is full of excitement, including sprawling attractions, along with major music and sports venues. These include the APEX Museum, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Atlanta Zoo.
All of this growth and activity is great for Atlanta’s economy and image, however aggressive growth does not come without its problems.
Atlanta has experienced an influx of bed bug infestations, with a staggering number of reported cases in the past year.
Atlanta is in the top 15 on the list of most infested cities according to Orkin.
Bed Bug Bite Lawyers & Attorneys in Atlanta
If you or a member of your family has fallen victim to a bed bug infestation from a hotel, apartment, Airbnb, or other temporary residence you may be eligible for compensation.
With the enhanced ability to survive and spread in almost any environment, bed bugs can cause long term suffering.
These insects tend to seek out places where people congregate and can spread easily through large gatherings of people.
Our team of bed bug specialists is proud to serve Atlanta, Georgia and areas around the Southeast.
Get connected with a licensed attorney who can discuss your case, and provide details on the actions you should take to build your bed bug case.
Georgia Bed Bug Laws & Regulation
Landlords and tenants will often dispute the liability for the removal of bed bug infestations, as treatment can be costly and time consuming.
In most circumstances Georgia law requires landlords to take responsibility for treating infestations, that are further refined by local and city ordinances (and individual lease agreements).
That being said, widespread uncertainty still exists related to landlord liability in rental properties and multi-unit apartment complexes.
This lack of clarity allows landlords to make their tenants sign a “bed bug addendum” which shifts the responsibility of a bed bug infestation over to the tenants.
If the pest problem is considered severe (most infestations are) then the property’s conditions could be in violation of Atlanta health ordinances. This is your point of entry in Georgia to getting your landlord to act and pay.
See the landlord-Tenant handbook from the Georgia department of law for more information.
You may contact your landlord with this information, and if he/she doesn’t respond within a week, consider making formal demands (with a lawsuit as consequence for inaction) in the form of a bed bug demand letter.
Sue an Apartment For Bed Bugs
If, despite the above conditions within state law, your landlord refuses to take action of an infestation, you have some options.
In certain situations, you may be able to do the following as a response:
- Withhold rent payments
- Report the landlord to your local health department
- Break the lease, and move out without future liability for rent
- Pay for bed bug treatment and deduct the costs from your rent payments
Before taking any of the actions above, you’ll want to consult with a licensed attorney to discuss remedies available.
You may also be able to sue for breach of the implied warranty of habitability, by allowing bed bugs to persist and spread.
There are a few core elements that should be proved in order to establish a case of negligence against a landlord:
- The Landlord owed a duty to the renter
- The landlord breached his/her duty of care
- The infestation resulted in injury to the tenant (with evidence to prove it)
Sue an Atlanta Hotel For Bed Bugs
If you slept in a hotel room overnight and awoke to bites on your body, it’s likely your hotel room was infested with bed bugs prior to you entering.
You could have suffered injuries and are at risk of bringing the bed bugs home with you.
It’s crucial to take the following steps toward building your case for a lawsuit so that you can receive compensation from a hotel.
- Properly identify the bed bugs – Make sure you’re not dealing with similar insects that just look like bed bugs.
- Seek treatment for your injuries – If your injuries seem severe you should seek help from a medical professional immediately (save your receipts/invoices).
- Locate the infestation – If possible, you should look for bed bugs in all life stages (eggs, nymphs, and adults) and even locate the nest. Take pictures of the actual bugs to help build your evidence.
- Contact Hotel Management – Report the case to management and write a written complaint if possible. Make sure to get the name and contact information for who you spoke to.
- Treat your Belongings – Wash all of your clothes and dry on high heat. You should throw out anything that can’t be cleaned (luggage, bags etc.)
- Get Your Free Consultation – Get connected with a licensed bed bug attorney in Atlanta to determine whether you have a case. There are no fees unless you win your case.
What Compensation Can I receive?
The compensation you can receive from a bed bug lawsuit depends on the level of losses that you experienced as a victim.
The value of the compensation is also impacted by the number of victims there are (i.e. the value grows if your entire family was injured by an infestation).
The following factors will directly play into your level of compensation:
Physical Injury – The number and severity of bites that you suffered.
Pain & Suffering – This is impacted by the level of emotional trauma that was caused. This can include disturbed sleep or anxiety. This is important because bed bugs are known to have long term psychological effects.
Lost Wages – If you were forced to take time off work because you were recovering or busy treating a bed bug infestation.
Lost Belongings – Any damaged furniture or if you had to throw out any belongings as a result of the infestation.
All of the above factors will have varying levels of effect on the value of compensation you receive.
Click here for more information on the average compensation of a bed bug lawsuit.
Bed Bug Details & Facts
Bed bugs are small, mobile insects that feast exclusively on human blood. You will typically find these bugs in areas that are secluded.
Bed bugs flock to damp, dark areas whether it be small cracks/crevices, or behind furniture.
They’re great hitchhikers and can spread by hiding in your belongings, or even on certain places on your body.
Bed bugs look a bit different depending on whether they have had a meal recently.
Before a meal – They are flat, with a brown color.
After a meal – Their body looks more rounded, with a red tint.
These insects are nocturnal and tend to come out when their hosts are asleep and immobile.
They have special beaks that inject a small numbing agent, so that you don’t feel them biting you.
Once these insects have had their meal, they hide back in their nests, without needing to feed again for months. Bed bugs spread very quickly so if you notice signs of an infestation, you’re likely to have a big problem on your hands.
Atlanta Bed Bug Case Examples
In 2018 bed bugs were reported in two rooms occupied by family members in their Atlanta hotel while celebrating a family reunion. Hotel management subsequently tested for bugs but only agreed to compensate ONE of the rooms for damages. Even after pictures and hospital receipts were provided the hotel refused to help. (This lawsuit is still ongoing).
In 2016 a man was infested with bed bugs in his apartment building. His 3 year old son was bitten as well and left scarred as a result of his bites. The man sued his landlord and was awarded a settlement of $150,000 for damages, along with pain and suffering him and his son experienced.
Atlanta Bed bug Lawsuit Attorneys
If you or a family member has fallen victim to a bed bug infestation, you may be entitled to compensation. Get in touch with us for your free injury consultation. ZERO fees unless you win your case.