Plano is a city in northern Texas with a population of 288,539 residents. It is the 9th largest city in the state and is 20 miles north of downtown Dallas.
The city is named in honor of the relatively flat landscape which it’s built upon.
(Very relevant in that Plano is the Spanish word for “flat.”)
As a tourist attraction, Plano is overshadowed by its neighbor, Dallas, and other Texan cities like Austin and Houston. But for those who plan a vacation here, there are plenty of things to do–the city includes several movie theaters, parks, and shopping centers catering to people of all ages.
But there is a hidden danger to visiting Plano…
Because its proximity to cities with the worst reported bed bug infestations in America.
Since bed bugs spread easily, travelers in neighboring towns will bring bed bugs into Plano, which has been the cause of the growing number of bed bug cases in the past decade.
Hire a Bed Bug Plano Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered from a bed bug infestation after visiting a hotel, apartment, or other establishment, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Bed bugs are infamous for their resilience and adaptability.
They can thrive in any environment, and can spread rapidly in high-density areas where people gather. They can be difficult to detect and frustrating to eradicate.
Our team of bed bug specialists is dedicated to serving Plano, Texas and other cities in the Southwest.
Get in contact with a licensed attorney today. They will provide you with the information needed to pursue a bed bug lawsuit and help build your case.
Texas Bed Bug Laws
Sections 341.011 and 341.012 of the Texas Health and Safety Code explicitly declare bed bugs “a public health nuisance.” Property owners are legally required to begin the process of extermination as soon as they are informed of an infestation.
In many cases of bed bug infestation, the act of removing them can be a point of contention between the tenant and landlord.
The landlord is legally required to cover the cost of extermination in most cases, but a tenant may be held responsible if it is discovered they are the cause of the infestation.
Section 92.056 of the Texas Property Code dictates that the landlord is liable to cover the removal of bed bugs if it affects the safety of their tenants and if they receive a written notice in advance.
When first signing a lease, a tenant can ask the landlord of the property if there were previous incidents of bed bug infestation.
If the landlord answers yes, it should be noted on the inventory form of the lease. This form will absolve a tenant of any responsibility to remove an infestation if one occurs.
Should a landlord fail to remove the bed bugs in a timely manner, they can face fines, civil penalties, and even be charged with a criminal misdemeanor.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny, nocturnal insects which feed on the blood of humans and animals. During the day, they tend to hide in dark, hard-to-reach places.
They are remarkably adaptable and can survive in any environment, regardless of location, temperature, or sanitation. Thus, bed bug infestations are an epidemic not just in the United States, but that exists on a global scale.
Their bodies are oval-shaped and brown in color. After a meal, they take on a reddish hue. A female bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime, and each insect fully matures after 6 weeks.
When a bed bug eats, it injects an anesthetic into the bloodstream in order to prevent immediate itching. By the time it wears off and you feel the bite, the actual bed bug is long gone back to its hiding spot.
Signs of bed bugs in your home include:
- Bite marks on your upper body, which look like tiny welts.
- Rust-colored stains on bedding materials, which resemble dry blood.
- A musty odor produced by bed bug scent glands.
- Remains of eggs or shed skin, that are look yellow in color
The physical symptoms of bed bug bites vary from person to person: some might not feel them at all, while others may display more severe symptoms. Scratching bed bug bites is not recommended, as this could open the wounds for infection.
For more information on bed bug bite symptoms, including treatments and comparisons with other insect bites, click here.
If you experience common bed bug signs in your home, contact a professional exterminator immediately.
Average Value of a Bed Bug Lawsuit
The average settlement for a bed bug lawsuit in 2020 is around $25,000. However, the amount of compensation you may be eligible for is dependent on the losses you experienced as a victim.
These factors include:
- Physical Injuries – The number and severity of bites you suffered.
- Lost Property – Any furniture, personal belongings, or other property which was removed due to an infestation.
- Lost Wages – If you were forced to take time away from work to combat an infestation.
- Pain & Suffering – Any anxiety, paranoia, or other psychological duress you dealt with as a result of bed bugs.
The value of a bed bug lawsuit will vary widely based on the factors above. Settlements can range anywhere from $500 to $5 million. For more information you can check out these bed bug case examples.
Can You Sue for Bed Bugs at Plano Hotels?
Hotels and similar establishments are always liable for the safety and well-being of their guests. This is especially true in cases of bed bugs, as it demonstrates negligence on the hotel’s part if the pests were allowed to thrive for a lengthy period of time.
In order to prove negligence related to bed bugs, you should take the following actions:
- Take pictures: Photo evidence is vital to building a case. You should take pictures of bite marks on your body, as well as any areas of your room where bed bugs are visible.
- Report the case: Informing hotel staff will make them aware of an infestation in their building. Be sure to make note of who you speak with, and request a copy of reports or documentation.
- Contact your local health department: It’s important that the health department is made aware of any infestation taking place. Ask that they investigate the hotel, take note of who you speak with, and request a copy of their report for your records.
You can reach the Plano, TX health department here.
- Seek medical attention: The severity of a bed bug bite varies from person to person,so it’s difficult to predict exactly who or when someone will need professional medical help. If you display severe symptoms like trouble breathing or signs of an allergic reaction you should go to the hospital immediately.
- Contact a lawyer: Once you have compiled all the evidence you need to build a case, consult with an attorney to walk you through next steps. After reviewing the details of your case, a lawyer will then determine if you could be eligible for compensation.
It is important to note that not all law firms specialize in dealing with bed bug-related lawsuits.
Seeking a firm which has experience in pursuing these cases will go a long way in securing compensation for any damages you sustained.
Fortunately, we’re here to put you in contact with lawyers who are experts in dealing with bed bug cases.
Plano, TX Bed Bug Bite Lawyers
If you or a loved one fell victim to a bed bug infestation, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Call us today at (855) 733-9217, or submit the details of your case here.
We will put you in touch with a lawyer specializing in bed bug cases, who will fight for your claim to any compensation you may be entitled to.
The consultation is 100% FREE, and there are NO fees unless you win your case.