How Much is the Average Bed Bug Settlement in 2020?

As we enter the new decade…

We’re faced with a growing number of reported bed bug infestations across the country.

These insects have terrorized residents within:

• Apartment complexes
• Hotels or Motels
• Airbnbs
• Public Transit
• Single Family Homes

In this article, we’ll discuss the average bed bug lawsuit value in 2020.

(As well as previous years)

It’s important to note that every bed bug case is different, comprising of a unique set of factors that play an important part in the compensation for both non-monetary and monetary damages.

On that note… Let’s dive in.

Typical Hotel Bed Bug Settlement

Bed Bug lawsuit settlements range from $25,000 to $500,000 on average. Keep in mind this range isn’t restrictive, and there are case settlements that have been well above and below that range.

Though there is no concrete formula to determine the value of a single case, we used hundreds of past bed bug cases to help calculate that range.

Bed bugs can cause severe devastation, both physically and emotionally, interrupting one’s life on a daily basis.

For a better understanding of what your case could be worth….

You should ask yourself the following questions:

How many Bites do You Have? How Many People Were Bit?

Bites in the double digits are usually a sign of a serious infestation. If you and your fellow victims have a combined 50+ bites, it’s a sign of a long-term infestation that has been lingering. This could be additional evidence to proving negligence against a landlord or hotel management.

Was The Property Owner Aware of the Infestation?

Past knowledge and conduct of the party at fault is a deciding factor for your case. If it’s found that building owners had knowledge but failed to take appropriate action to solve the issue… Liability is extended to them.

What exactly were the losses sustained?

If the physical injury led to long term health problems, or permanent cosmetic effects such as Keloid scars, this will build the value of your case. If you racked up expenses or financial loss as a result of the infestation, that will contribute to your case value as well. 

These questions are some of the main issues that will directly affect the value of your claim. In many cases, hotel owners will look for a fast settlement so they don’t risk the PR disaster of a bed bug infestation at their property taken to trial.

The Bed Bug Epidemic

In 2020 the bed bug outlook is not promising, as insecticides do not have the effect they once did.

Unfortunately… bed bug infestations do not go away on their own.

These creatures have evolved to grow immune to common insecticides, and are unfortunately getting labeled as some of the country’s most resilient insects.

Even with such an impressive ability to survive…

There are home remedies that can kill bed bugs such as Diatomaceous Earth.

In severe cases, you can utilize a professional method such as Heat Treatments, which can eradicate a severe infestation in just ONE session.

Bed Bug History & Statistics

Bed bugs have been around for centuries…

And although they did largely disappear in the 1930s.

(and again in the 1980s)

Global infestations have returned with a vengeance.

Rises in bed bug activity have been seen in all continents except Antarctica.

Bed bugs have been reported in all 50 states.

With an estimated 1 in 5 Americans who have had a personal experience with bed bugs.

Today infestations are found beyond personal residences.

Bed bugs have also been found in:

• Retail environments
• Health & transit facilities
• Movie theaters
• Concert Venues

Click Here for more in-depth bed bug statistics that may surprise you.

How Much is a Bed Bug Lawsuit Worth?

Lawsuits for bed bug related incidents have become more common in the past decade.

With settlements getting BIGGER, and incidents becoming more severe.

These lawsuits stem from acts of negligence on the part of a landlord or hotel management, who refuse to properly deal with eradicating an existing infestation.

Biggest Bed Bug Lawsuit Settlements

There have been cases that awarded over 1 million dollars to victims.

For example:

In 2010 a civil jury awarded a Los Angeles family $1.6 million in a historic bed bug case at the time.

Here is a brief summary of that case:

The family says they complained to their landlord, along with the apartment management company for months about an existing infestation. In return they were told to “throw our all of their furniture and just sleep on the floor.” This case was surrounding an 8-year-old child who was covered in bites, and led to some physical disfigurement of the young boy. The family says that a portion of the $1.6 million that was awarded will be for future medical treatment to try and erase the many scars that were left behind from the bites.

In another case…

An Arkansas family who sued over bites they received at the Rancho Cucamonga, CA hotel was awarded $546,000. According to the lawsuit details the manager knew of the infestation but failed to disclose properly to hotel guests.

An even bigger case occurred when 16 tenants received a $3.5 million verdict against Park La Brea Apartments.

This case specifically struck a chord with juries…

This led to a MAJOR settlement award.

Juries really connected with the suffering caused by bed bugs beyond physical injury, as they were very aware of the long-term emotional distress it can cause.

The below video talks about a class action lawsuit that was filed against the Lincoln Plaza apartments in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania.

Factors that determine Lawsuit Value

1. The Amount You Were Bitten

If you were bitten only 2 – 3  times, it’s harder to claim that it was from a bed bug…

(over similar insects)

Or that they caused you serious injury.

If the bites come out to be in a straight line, diagonal, or zig zag pattern, you have a better chance of proving your were subjected to a bed bug infestation, and getting a bigger settlement.

2. Physical & Emotional Damage

Another word for this type of compensation is called pain and suffering.

Physical damage can be determined by your symptoms and any cosmetic implications of your bites.

Mental damage can come from:

• PTSD
• Depression
• OCD
• Constant Anxiety

3. Damage to Personal Property

This includes any personal belongings such as:

• Clothes
• Luggage
• Furniture
• Mattress/bedding

That are infested with bed bugs and need to be thrown out.

You can opt to disinfect all of your belongings, but this often is more time consuming and expensive than simply replacing them.

Lost Wages:

This includes any financial loss that you had for time that you were forced to take off from work.

Medical Expenses:

If you incurred expenses from a hospital visit.

(including emergency or urgent care bills)

Or overnight hospital stays, visits from a specialist, rehabilitation treatments, these can help raise the amount of your settlement.

The Value of Bed Bug Settlements in 2020

The existing value of bed bug settlements in 2020 have been consistent with that of 2019.

On average, these cases can be valued at…

Over $25,000 depending on the amount of damage and trauma caused by the above factors.

To help further understand the value of your potential settlement it’s also good to look at settlement amounts from past years….

Such as the average settlement value in 2019.

Below are a few additional examples of major settlements:

$200,000 Settlement:

A college student suffered constant bites on a nightly basis shortly after moving into his apartment on campus.

$850,000 Settlement:

A woman suffered over 100 bites after staying in a hotel in the Indianapolis area. She complained to hotel management but their actions didn’t resolve the situation. She was able to generate a large settlement from the major hospital expenses she incurred to help her recover from her injuries.

$1.5 Million Settlement:

A family of 8 was given a settlement after 2 young children were bitten badly and left with permanent scarring. The family had to throw out all of their belongings and move to escape the severe infestation that they were experiencing.

If you have been victim to a bed bug infestation, don’t wait to discuss your case.

Get in touch with our bed bug experts who can connect you with the right attorney to help move your case forward.