Unfortunately, the number of bed bug bite incidents is increasing, in many cases as a result of negligence on the part of hotel managers, secondhand furniture store outlet owners, and others who fail to take the proper steps in preventing and eliminating infestations.
If you have sustained bed bug bite injuries and wish to file a lawsuit against negligent parties responsible, there are certain things you’ll need to consider to build a successful case.
1. Gather as Much Evidence of Injuries and Infestations as Possible
As soon as you’ve noticed any bed bug bites on your body, make sure you document them with photo or video evidence. Develop a written description of the injuries and the specific dates and times during which you observed the bites.
If you seek treatment for your injuries, retain any and all receipts and notes on the reasons for treatment. In some cases, bed bug bites can also leave permanent scars, which can provide further evidence of bed bug bites once healed.
How to Spot Bed Bug Bites and Infestations
To help you gather as much evidence of injuries and infestations as possible, it’s important to know what to look for in these cases.
Bed bug bites will appear as small bumps and may come with a burning sensation or itchiness. They often have a dark center with a lighter swollen area surrounding it.
When looking for the source of the infestation or evidence of one, you may be able to spot dark stains in bedding, including dark red blood spots in bed sheets.
You’ll also want to check dark areas behind baseboards, headboards, picture frames, and the seam of the mattress along with furniture joints. In some cases, live adults, shed skin, and eggs may be visible.
Learn more about how to check for bed bugs in hotels here.
2. Notify the Staff or Owner
As soon as you notice bed bug bites or an infestation, you should also notify the owner or other staff of the facility as soon as possible.
While you may not notify these individuals in written form, it’s important to make sure you follow up with a response in writing, such as by letter, email, or fax. You should also maintain copies of all correspondence.
3. Document All Time Taken Off from Work
If your injuries result in the need to take time off from work for treatment, or even if they hinder your ability to enjoy hobbies, keep track of all lost time. In some cases, bed bug bites can result in financial losses as the result of lost wages, which you may be able to recover through a successful lawsuit.
4. Make Note of Psychological and Emotional Symptoms
Apart from physical symptoms of bed bug bites, you should also take the time to keep track of any emotional and psychological effects, which can last for years in some cases.
These symptoms could include the fear of going to sleep at night due to the concern regarding a recurring infestation, an obsessiveness with keeping the home clean, and general anxiety.
5. Keep Track of All Damaged Property
It’s also important to make sure to note all damage to personal property resulting from an infestation. Items such as clothing, furniture, backpacks, bed sheets, mattresses, pillows, and luggage could be the source of an infestation.
Also, make sure that you throw out all infested items following the recording of photographic or video evidence of the infestation.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Bed Bug Lawsuit
If you want to file a bed bug bite lawsuit, you can recover several types of damages, including the psychological damages discussed. Economic damages include medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages, while noneconomic damages can include any physical or emotional pain or suffering experienced as a result of your injuries.
To get the best results from your bed bug lawsuit, work with the top bed bug attorneys to help determine if you do, in fact, have a viable case.
He or she will then be able to provide reliable representation and walk you through your case from start to finish, working to help you get the compensation you deserve.
