Have you or a loved one endured any bed bug bites or other related damages from a bed bug infestation, whether while at home or during your travels? You may be able to seek compensation for these damages with the help of a bed bug lawyer if you believe another person or company’s negligence was the cause. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable bed bug attorneys can handle certain types of cases that took place in Costa Mesa, along with other cities in California and the rest of the U.S., depending on the circumstances.
What Caused a Bed Bug Infestation in Costa Mesa?
If a bed bug infestation spread throughout a hotel room, home, apartment, or another space, and you or a loved one sustained any bites or other related damages, you may be entitled to compensation.
Bed bugs are capable of thriving in any space if they can access food in the form of blood meals from people. Regardless of a space’s cleanliness, bed bugs can make their home in the space if they’re able to access food.
How Bed Bug Infestations Can Develop in Costa Mesa, CA
Bed bugs often travel between locations to find new food sources, which can lead many people in Costa Mesa to be exposed to bed bugs and subsequent damages.
Many bed bug bite victims sustain these and other damages in hotels. These locations are often particularly vulnerable to infestations because of the number of guests who come through and the size of these facilities, along with negligent cleaning and inspection practices. Bed bugs frequently have the ability to feed on people while they sleep in hotel beds, spreading between rooms as they multiply and travel. Unfortunately, hotel staff at many hotels aren’t sufficiently trained to identify and eliminate bed bugs, leaving to bites and other damages.
Landlords, business owners, and hotel management may all be liable for damages resulting from bed bug infestations if they fail to properly identify and prevent infestations in their facilities. Professionals in these locations may be required to maintain a standard of care for residents, tenants, customers, and guests. If they allow an infestation to take place that was otherwise preventable through their actions, they may be liable for the subsequent damages.
How to Identify a Bed Bug Infestation in Costa Mesa
There are multiple ways to identify a bed bug infestation in your hotel room, home, or apartment.
One clear sign of an infestation are bites, which you may find on your body in the form of small, red, itchy bumps. In certain circumstances, they may seem similar to other types of bites, which is why it often helps to find other evidence of bed bugs in the area. Other times, bed bug bites can cause a severe allergic reaction resulting in painful swelling and oozing.
Regardless of the severity of injuries suffered, you should inspect your surroundings for signs of a bed bug infestation. You may be able to see adult bed bugs that are around the same shape, size, and color as apple seeds, or you may find small white eggs, or sheddings. If you locate an area on the mattress or box spring where several black spots are present, then you have probably found a bed bug nest. You may also see blood spots that appear red or brown on bedding and other furniture.
Try to look as thoroughly as possible in different areas where they may hide, including dark areas such as closet spaces or even behind picture frames. Once you spot any evidence, take photos and record video, which you may then be able to use to build a case.
Types of Compensation That Victims May Recover in Costa Mesa
You may be able to seek compensation for damages resulting from bed bug infestations if you believe that negligence caused the infestation and damages. Our lawyers may be able to provide representation during the pre-litigation process to help you seek compensation for related damages sustained.
Some of the damages for which you may be able to recover compensation include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Costs of replacing bedding or other damaged furniture
You may also recover compensation for certain non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering that often result from an infestation. Pain and suffering may include both physical and psychological distress experienced as a result of bites and other damages. Insomnia is another condition that some bed bug victims experience out of a fear of repeat incidents.
To find out if you have a bed bug case that our office can assist with resulting from an incident that occurred in Costa Mesa, connect with us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced bed bug lawyers.
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.