Bed bugs have the ability to spread in any location across the U.S., including Columbia, South Carolina. Bed bugs are often a challenge to eliminate and control if they’re able to spread, especially if another party’s negligence allowed for their spread. Oftentimes, negligence is what enables bed bug infestations to develop as landlords, hotel owners, and others fail to identify and mitigate infestations.
If you believe that another party’s negligence resulted in a bed bug infestation in Columbia and want to seek compensation for related damages such as bites and property damage, you may be able to seek compensation with the help of a bed bug attorney. Our team of experienced bed bug lawyers can handle certain types of cases that took place in Columbia and many other cities in South Carolina and throughout the U.S., providing representation during the pre-litigation process.
What Can Cause a Bed Bug Infestation in Columbia, South Carolina?
If a bed bug infestation is able to develop in a hotel room or home in Columbia, and you or your loved ones sustained bites and other types of related damages, you may be able to seek compensation with the help of a lawyer if negligence or some other unlawful act caused the infestation.
Bed bugs are able to thrive in any location as long as they can feed on people nearby to consume blood meals. They can live in any space regardless of cleanliness, and they can live for long periods of time without a meal, which can make it even harder to eliminate them once they spread if the proper mitigation methods aren’t in place. Bed bugs can also easily travel from one location to the next, which is why property owners should take serious measures to prevent bed bug infestations from developing and spreading.
Hotels are some of the most vulnerable locations for infestations, as hotel staff may not be properly trained on the risk bed bugs pose or how to effectively eliminate them. Many people staying in the same rooms and sleeping on the same beds can further increase the risk of infestations, which is why it’s necessary for management to make sure that bed bugs are unable to spread throughout the hotel. Any failure to identify or eliminate bed bugs could make hotel staff or owners liable for any related damages sustained, including bites and property damage, among others.
Steps for Identifying Bed Bugs in Columbia
If you believe that a bed bug infestation has developed in your home, apartment, or hotel room, you can accurately identify these pests in several ways.
One of the most obvious signs of an infestation is a group of bites that appear in a small line or cluster around the bite area. In most cases, these bites will appear as small itchy red bumps that resemble other bites. However, some people may develop swelling or pus if they are allergic to bed bugs, which may lead to a secondary infection. In addition to bites, you may also see other evidence of bed bugs in the form of adults that closely resemble apple seeds, white pill-shaped eggs, sheddings, or red or brown spots on bedding or other furniture.
Make sure you check in as many areas as possible where bed bugs are prone to hiding, including behind furniture, picture frames, and other objects. Be sure to capture photographs and video footage of any evidence you spot. You may be able to use this evidence to support your case.
Types of Recoverable Compensation That Bed Bug Victims May Recover in Columbia
If bed bug infestations lead to injuries or other types of damages in a hotel room, apartment, or home, it may be possible to recover compensation with the help of a reputable and experienced bed bug lawyer. A good attorney may be able to provide representation during pre-litigation to help recover compensation for both monetary and non-monetary damages. Our bed bug lawyers are able to handle certain types of bed bug cases that occurred in Columbia.
Some of the monetary damages for which bed bug victims may be able to recover compensation could include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- The costs of replacing bedding and other damaged furniture or personal belongings
Non-monetary damages could include pain and suffering endured physically or mentally due to an infestation, including insomnia resulting from fear of future infestations.
To find out whether you have a bed bug case our team can assist with, contact us today to request a free consultation with one of our bed bug attorneys.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. This firm handles claims nationwide on a pre-litigation basis. Some attorneys are not licensed to practice in certain jurisdictions. Although most bed bug cases resolve without a lawsuit, should one need to be filed in a jurisdiction the firm is not authorized to practice, our lawyers work with local counsel upon the execution of a new agreement.