Columbus is the state capital and most populous city in Ohio. According to a 2018 estimate, the city has a population of 892,000, making it the 14th largest city in America.
In 2019, Columbus surpassed cities like San Francisco in terms of population, and is expected to grow by an additional 1 million people in the next 20 years according to Forbes.
Not only is it an up and coming place to live, but Columbus has a thriving tourism sector. With attractions like the Columbus Zoo, Franklin Park Conservatory, and Columbus Museum of art, tourists are flocking to spend a weekend in this city.
Population growth, income growth, and housing growth are all measures of success for the city of Columbus, however, there continues to be growth in a less positive category.
This is the rising number of bed bug infestations that continue to plague this city.
Columbus is currently in the top 5 according to Orkin’s list of most bed bug infested cities in America.
With population density increasing and more foot traffic, this city will be fighting bed bugs for years to come.
Bed Bug Attorneys in Columbus
Have you or a family member been bitten by bed bugs? There’s no reason to be ashamed, bed bugs can attack anyone at anytime.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s at a 5-star hotel or a run-down apartment, infestations can happen anywhere.
Our team of bed bug specialists will connect you with a licensed attorney in Ohio to discuss your unique situation.
Our quick and easy consultations are absolutely FREE, you’ll never be charged a fee unless you win your case.
Bed bug infestations can be devastating, leading to both monetary and non-monetary losses for the victim.
If you were bitten by bed bugs in a hotel, motel, Airbnb, or another temporary residence, you may be eligible for compensation for the following losses:
Physical Injury – The bites you experienced, along with common symptoms. (If you’re experiencing severe health issues make sure to contact a health professional).
Pain & Suffering – This could be in the form of anxiety, loss of sleep, or psychological issues, as a result of the infestation.
Lost Belongings – Whether it be damaged furniture, or clothes that you had to throw out because they were infested with bed bugs.
Lost Wages – If you had to take time off work and lost income while dealing with an infestation or recovering injury, this could boost the value of your potential compensation.
Click here for information on the average value of a bed bug lawsuit.
Ohio Bed Bug Laws
Ohio is considered a “home rule state” where local governments can decide how to regulate issues of public health.
Some health departments don’t consider bed bugs a health risk, while others take them more seriously by providing inspections and speaking to property owners when necessary.
Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are among some of the local governments that have enacted ordinances to define bed bugs as a real public health issue.
According to Columbus health code Chapter 713 section 3:
713.03 – Standards relative to rodents, insects, vermin, and other pests:
- The owner or person having charge is responsible for elimination of any rodents, insects, vermin, or other pests in a dwelling containing two (2) or more dwelling units and on the premises thereof. The owner or person having charge is also responsible whenever improper rodent proofing of the premises causes the infestation
Therefore, property owners and landlords are required to provide tenants with a safe and pest free environment. They’re also required to maintain the property and take necessary precaution to prevent bed bug infestations.
Keep in mind this is in reference to apartment complexes, condominiums, or multi-family buildings. If you live in a single-family unit you may be financially responsible for a bed bug infestation.
The Franklin County public health department considers bed bugs as a public health nuisance and will investigate infestations if at least 10% of the units in a multi-unit complex are infested.
If you’re interested you can check out the Central Ohio Bed Bug Task Force, which was created to address bed bugs in both public and private buildings in Ohio.
Tenant Bed Bug Responsibilities in Columbus
If you do find bed bugs in your apartment, it’s important that you do the following:
- Contact your landlord immediately (in writing)
- Close off the area (if possible) where you suspect bed bugs are present.
- Hold off on any DIY treatment methods until you speak with property management and a pest control professional.
Once a landlord is notified and the treatment action plan is in place, the tenant is required to cooperate with the treatment.
Whether it be conventional treatments involving insecticides, or heat treatments, the tenant will be asked to vacate the premises for a certain period of time.
The tenant must prepare the premises by removing clutter, pets, or any items that can be damaged or hinder the treatment.
Lease Termination
Landlord – If the tenant fails to comply with the extermination procedure, or if he/she refuses to vacate the premises, the landlord can terminate the lease.
Tenant – On the flipside, if the rental property is considered unlivable or uninhabitable by pest control, or if the landlord fails to deal with the infestation, the tenant may be able to terminate the lease without being held liable.
Bed Bugs in Columbus Ohio Hotels
Hotels, motels, and other temporary residences typically follow their own regulations and company policy. Public accommodation in Ohio is regulated in certain ways to protect hotel guests from being harmed during their stay.
If you experienced a bed bug infestation in a hotel, you may have a case for a lawsuit. The key here is proving negligence, to show that the hotel improperly dealt with the bed bug situation or didn’t inspect the premises appropriately.
This situation is always difficult as not everyone suggests that hotels have a legal duty to inspect for pests. The resurgence of bed bugs is relatively new and courts often disagree on this matter.
In cases where you do find enough evidence against a hotel, you can file a lawsuit and potentially get compensation.
If you fall victim to a bed bug infestation in a hotel room, you should take the following actions:
- Gather evidence – Take pictures of your bites.
- Treat your Injuries – If your bites seem severe and you’re experiencing dangerous symptoms seek the help of medical professional.
- Secure your belongings – Seal all belongings that could be infested in a plastic bag and throw out anything that cannot be treated.
- Talk to a lawyer – Get in touch with us for your FREE consultation. There are no fees unless you win your case.
How to Prevent a Bed Bug Recurrence
Bed bugs are wonderful hitchhikers, and can move from an infested site with ease. Although they typically feed once per week, they are capable of surviving up to a year without feeding.
Some precautions you can take to prevent bed bug infestations include:
Check second hand furniture – If you’re going to buy items from a used furniture store you should do a proper inspection before bringing the furniture home.
Cover your mattress – Use a special bed bug mattress encasement to eliminate any hiding spots where bed bugs can infest.
Clean your home – Reduce clutter and vacuum your living space frequently.
Be vigilant (especially in multi unit homes) – Install door sweeps at the bottom of doors to discourage movement in the hallways, and seal cracks/crevices around baseboards or light sockets.
Bed Bug Reports Columbus Ohio (Case example)
A couple decided to drive to Columbus (from Chicago) for a weekend getaway. They booked a hotel and prepared for a relaxing weekend. After a long day of sightseeing they went to sleep and woke up the next day with over 30 bites between the two of them.
The couple inspected the room and found a severe infestation had been present. The couple contacted management but were blamed for bringing bed bugs into the room themselves. They were able to build enough evidence to bring a case against the hotel and received $20,000 in a settlement for their injuries and ruined vacation.
Bed Bug Lawsuit Attorney in Columbus
Have you or a family member fallen victim to a bed bug infestation? We can connect you with the right lawyer to discuss your options. Get in touch with us today for your no obligation free consultation. A lawyer will discuss your situation and help determine whether you have a case for a lawsuit.