While bed bugs have been around since the beginning of time, and they have certainly caused their fair share of problems over the years, the recent increase in bed bug infestations in this country is alarming. From luxury hotels to apartment buildings and furniture rental stores, the growing bed bug population is appearing everywhere. In Florida, Tampa Bay and Miami have the most reported bed bug cases in the state. Under the law, Floridians affected by a bed bug infestation have a legal right to recover damages due to personal injury or property damage that occurs because of such an infestation. A Florida bed bug lawyer understands the delicate nature of bed bug litigation and will fight to get the damages bed bug sufferers have coming.
How Do You Know If You Have Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are blood-feasting insects that are attracted to the heat of the human body, as well as the carbon dioxide we exhale in our breath. That is why mattresses make such optimal habitats for these tiny creatures. If there is a bed bug infestation in your hotel or apartment, you may notice small red, itchy bumps on your skin when you wake up in the morning. There may be blistering or hives around the bite area, which is usually a visible row or cluster of bites. Bed bugs typically prefer feasting on exposed areas of skin such as the arms, legs, face and hands while you sleep.
Other obvious signs of bed bugs include the presence of blood stains on the sheets upon waking that were not there the night before, and/or the appearance of small, rust-colored clustered dots on bedding. These dots are actually bed bug feces, which are mostly comprised of digested blood.
Bed bugs only feed every few days, and symptoms of bites may not begin showing until several days after you receive them. These facts make it somewhat difficult to determine a bed bug infestation right away, but as it continues, a noticeable pattern soon develops.
Physical Suffering and Mental Duress Caused by Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs cause physical and mental suffering that varies from mild to severe depending on how your body reacts to their bite. A mild reaction might include the presence of small red bumps that itch. A severe reaction might result in skin infection caused by the severe itching and scratching associated with bed bug bites, painful swelling and possible anaphylactic shock in the most allergic people.
From a mental standpoint, many people who suffer bed bug bites find it difficult to sleep after they find out the cause of their mysterious red bumps for fear of being bitten again.
Where You Might Come In Contact With Bed Bugs
Bed bugs live in all areas of the country. They are stowaways that get from place to place in our luggage, furnishings, clothing and more. In tourist cities such as Tampa and Miami, bed bugs in resorts and hotels are common. They also like to live in apartment buildings where people live in close quarters. Private homeowners may also become victims of a bed bug infestation, through no fault of their own, when they purchase furniture from a store where bed bugs lay claim.
Can I Sue a Hotel for Bed Bugs in Florida?
If you think you have apartment bed bugs, or that you suffered bed bug bites from a hotel, there is something you can do. Apartment managers and hotel owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their property in a safe condition. However, documents you signed when you started your lease may ultimately determine responsibilities so you should speak with an experienced bed bug attorney. Unfortunately, many bed bug cases are the result of a building manager being aware of a bed bug infestation, but failing to do anything about it. Even if you think you have an infestation in your home caused by bed bugs in furnishings from a furniture store, you have rights too.
Hire Florida Bed Bug Bite Attorneys
When you call us, our bed bug lawyers will take your claim and determine if you have a legitimate bed bug case we can assist with. If so, we will help you recover damages and lost wages as they apply to your claim. Don’t take a bed bug infestation lying down. You should be able to rest your head comfortably at the end of each day without fear of a bed bug attack as you sleep.
We can provide representation for bed bug bite cases in Florida, in major cities including:
- Tampa Bay
- Miami
- Orlando
- Jacksonville
- Fort Lauderdale
- Tallahassee
- West Palm Beach
- Fort Myers
We can also provide representation in many other locations throughout Florida.
Contact us today at 954-526-9888 for a free consultation.