Like in other states across the country, the prevalence of bed bugs continues to increase in Illinois. People discover bed bugs after moving, while staying in an Illinois hotel, while shopping or at work. These examples are just some of the ways bed bugs result in an infestation or how an individual suffers bed bug bites. You do not have to suffer losses because of the negligence and sometimes-downright disregard of landlords, hotel owners and managers or retail establishments.
When you suffer from an Illinois bed bug infestation or irritating bed bug bites, get a free consultation to discuss your rights, legal options and case representation.
Bed bugs in Illinois
Although the incidence of bed bugs continues to increase across the United States, Illinois is one of the hardest hit states. In fact, Chicago consistently ranks among cities topping nationwide bed bug reports. However, people in other Illinois cities also suffer the consequences of carrying bed bugs home from hotels, retail establishments and their workplace.
Illinois residents also suffer bed bug infestations upon moving into a new home. The Illinois Department of Public Health explains that bed bugs also hitchhike a ride to homes and businesses “More easily than ever, via public transportation and luggage, and in secondhand furniture, mattresses, bedding and clothing.” In apartments, they also “spread between units with or without human help…” This means that when another resident has a bed bug infestation, you potentially end up with an infestation as bed bugs search for their next blood meal.
Residents and guests at many places will find bed bugs throughout the entire state of Illinois, including larger cities such as Chicago, Rockford, Elgin, Naperville, Bolingbrook, and Waukegan.
How to determine if you have bed bugs
You may not know you have bed bugs until you suffer from bed bug bites or until you actively search for them. If you believe you have bed bugs, look carefully around mattress seams and box springs, in crevices and in corners of furniture.
If you think you suffered bed bug bites at an Illinois hotel, check the bedding and furniture in a similar fashion. Even if you do not see actual bed bugs, look for other signs such as fecal material, which appears as reddish-black dots. A shed exoskeleton is another telltale sign of bed bugs.
If you purchase or rent new furniture, you run the risk of having bed bugs delivered to your Illinois home along with your new furniture. Once in your home, the bed bugs await your bedtime so they have the opportunity to obtain their next blood meal.
Bed bug bites look similar to mosquito bites with one exception. While both bed bug bites and mosquito bites appear as red, itchy bumps, you likely only suffer one or two mosquito bites. Bed bugs, on the other hand, often bite multiple times and frequently in a straight line.
Rights and compensation for bed bug cases with help from bed bug attorneys in Illinois
Until recently, the only statutes addressing the issue of bed bugs were for Illinois rail cars. The City of Chicago implemented its own ordinance in 2013. The Metropolitan Tenants Organization in Chicago says landlords now have to supply tenants with an informational brochure on bed bugs and must keep a written record of bed bug control efforts. Additionally, when treating one apartment for bed bugs, the landlord must treat “The two units on either side as well as the two units above and below of the infested unit.”
Tenants also have responsibility under the Chicago ordinance. However, tenants do not give up any rights in this or any other Illinois statute.
The Illinois General Assembly also adopted amendments to The Structural Pest Control Act to address the growing bed bug problems in Illinois. The General Assembly recognizes “The quality of life for a growing number of Illinois families has been impacted by a significant increase” in bed bug infestations.
In addition to helping with bed bug cases in Chicago, we can also represent clients in many other cities throughout Illinois, including:
- Springfield
- Naperville
- Peoria
- Rockford
- Champaign
- Schaumburg
- Urbana
- Evanston
- Joliet
Regardless of where you’re located in Illinois, our bed bug bite attorneys are ready to help you.
Can I sue for Illinois hotel bed bug infestations?
Unfortunately, hotels are vulnerable to infestations if rooms aren’t properly maintained and management practices negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered from bed bug bites in a motel or hotel in Illinois, you may be able to receive compensation with the help of our bed bug bite attorneys. Our office represents victims of Illinois bed bug bites on a pre-litigation basis.
Consult with an Illinois bed bug lawyer today
When you suffer from property loss, lost wages or adverse health effects such as an allergic reaction, nausea, respiratory issues, headaches or other symptoms from bed bug bites, you have rights. Do not sit by in silence suffering losses after discovering a bed bug infestation or getting bitten in your residence, an Illinois hotel or business.
Contact bed bug attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your pre-litigation bed bug case.