Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city in the state of Indiana. With a population of 877,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Indianapolis has the 17th highest population in America.
From the largest single-day sporting event in the world, to a major children’s museum, Indianapolis remains under the radar as a tourist hotspot. Some attractions include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Monument circle, and the Eagle Creek Park and Nature Preserve.
Indianapolis is also experiencing a growth in positive net migration, signaling its aggressive economic and real estate expansion.
The growth in both permanent and temporary residences is positive for the city’s economy and image, however it comes with its problems.
Unfortunately, Indianapolis has experienced a growth in reported bed bug cases, with more people suffering from infestations ever year. Indianapolis has risen to the top 10 on Orkin’s list of most bed bug infested cities.
Indiana Bed Bug Laws
In Indiana, property owners are required to provide a certain standard of living for their tenants. Bed bug infestations are a clear violation of that standard of living, as it creates a dangerous environment for tenants and guests.
In Indiana the laws aren’t as clear as other states, and much of the responsibilities of pests will be based on the rental agreement.
If the rental agreement states that tenants are responsible for maintaining the property, the landlord may not be financially responsible for bed bug treatment.
Single-Tenant Residence – Unless the bed bug infestation occurred within a year of the tenant moving in, the landlord will usually not be responsible for the infestation. In this case it’s pretty clear that the residence wasn’t infested prior to the tenant arriving.
Multi-Unit Residence – In this case it can be difficult to prove where the bed bugs came from. Tenants are often coming and going, and these insects have the ability to travel through walls and infest other units. Therefore, in a multi unit apartment complex landlords are more often than not, responsible for removing an infestation.
Click here for additional bed bug resources and information specific to Indiana.
Indiana Landlord Responsibilities
Indiana maintains specific regulation surrounding the responsibilities of landlords to its tenants.
According to Indiana Code Title 32. Property § 32-31-8-5, A landlord has the following responsibilities:
- Deliver the rental premises in a safe and habitable condition and ensure the living area is in compliance with the rental agreement.
- Comply with all codes and regulation related to the rental premises and the local department of health.
- Make reasonable efforts and necessary action to keep common areas clean.
Therefore, in some cases the landlord is required to hire a pest control professional and coordinate the bed bug treatment.
The landlord will likely take action to try and prove that the tenant brought bed bugs into the premises to reduce their financial obligation.
Click here for more information on different situations where the landlord or the tenant could be responsible for bed bugs.
In general landlords should be prepared and respond effectively to unforeseen situations as such as bed bugs.
This involves the following:
Prevent Infestations: Implementing periodic bed bug inspections to all living areas (both common and private).
Education: Instructing staff and tenants about what to do if they suspect a bed bug infestation. This involves brochures/guidance, and the emphasis of quick reporting.
Done Blame the Tenant: A culture of blame can cause tenants to delay reporting, or not report the case at all. Therefore, it’s important that tenants are protected and feel comfortable with the reporting process in place.
If you as a tenant are dealing with a bed bug infestation and your landlord isn’t responding or taking appropriate action, consider crafting a bed bug demand letter.
You should also get in touch with us for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Sue a Hotel For Bed Bugs
In the state of Indiana, there are instances where you can sue a hotel management company for claims of bed bug infestations. In situations where the hotel fails to protect you, and you suffer significant losses, you may have a claim to compensation.
The key here is proving negligence on the point of hotel staff and management.
If the hotel was aware that an infestation existed, or if they have a history of bed bug infestations, your case is better suited to receive compensation.
If you fall victim to bed bugs in a hotel, you should take the following actions.
- Take pictures of your bites: Make sure to take photos of your bites and injuries wherever they occurred on your body.
- Locate the Infestation: Do a quick self-inspection of your hotel room and locate the source of the infestation.
- Seek medical attention – If your injuries are severe you should make sure they are professionally treated (save your receipts).
- Report the case – Contact hotel staff and make them aware of the infestation. Be diligent about documenting who you spoke to and what was said.
- Deal with your belongings – Wrap all of your clothes in a plastic bag and make sure to wash and dry on high heat. Discard of any belongings that cannot be cleaned.
- Speak to a lawyer about your options – Get your free consultation to discuss your case and determine next steps. No fees unless you win your case.
Are there bed bugs in Indiana?
The number of bed bug infestations in the United States is still rising, invading homes, businesses, schools, and hotels. Unfortunately, Indiana has risen five spots to reach the top 10 on the country’s list of most infested cities.
How can you tell if you have bed bugs?
The first signs of an infestation are typically the appearance of bites, or if you notice brown or red spots on your sheets and blankets. This could be a sign of bed bug droppings or blood stains.
A clear sign is if you detect actual bugs in your living area. In order to identify bed bugs over similar insects it’s important to understand distinct features to look for.
Bed bugs are small but visible insects that go through three life stages:
The egg: whiteish color, 1mm in length
Juvenile: pale color, 3mm in length
Adult: brown/red color, 8mm in length
Indianapolis Bed Bug Heat Treatments
Treating a bed bug infestation can be a huge headache. These insects have evolved to survive, as they’re incredibly hard to locate and kill. This is the reason these creatures have been around for centuries.
There are two main treatment options for dealing with bed bugs, conventional treatments that include insecticides, and bed bug heat treatments. If you can’t afford to pay for professional treatment there are certain DIY treatment options that are worth exploring.
The bed bug heat treatment involves professionals bringing industrial sized equipment into your home that will bring up temperatures to a point where bed bugs cannot survive. The temperature will reach close to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, causing bed bugs in all life stages to perish.
Benefits of Heat Treatments Over Other Options:
- This treatment is 100% friendly to the environment.
- It kills all bed bugs (nymphs, juveniles, and adults).
- If done correctly, it will only require one treatment.
- Bed bugs are becoming increasingly resistant to chemical products like insecticides.
Click here for everything you need to know about heat treatments.
What Compensation Can I Receive From a Bed Bug Lawsuit?
The amount of compensation you could receive depends on the level of losses that you sustained as a result of an infestation.
If you experienced severe losses and injuries to you and your loved ones, the potential value of a lawsuit goes way up.
The following factors will determine the value of a lawsuit:
Physical injury – The number of bites you sustained along with any adverse reactions you experienced.
Pain & Suffering – This could be from anxiety, disturbed sleep, or long term psychological problems.
Lost Wages – Any income you lost as a result of time off work.
Lost Belongings – Any damaged furniture or items that you lost as a result of bed bugs.
Click here to learn the average settlement value of a bed bug lawsuit.
Indianapolis Bed Bug Case Example
A man experienced bed bugs at an Indiana hotel and casino after spending three nights in his hotel room. On the morning after the third night, he awoke to multiple bites on his neck and torso. He then found these little critters crawling around in the southwest corner of his hotel room. The man received $15,000 for his injuries and ruined vacation as a result of a lawsuit.
Indianapolis Bed Bug Lawsuit Attorney
Have you or a loved one experienced bed bugs in your hotel or apartment? If so, you may be eligible for compensation. Get your free consultation with an Indianapolis bed bug lawyer to determine whether you have a case. There are no fees unless you win your case.