With the resurgence of bed bugs, some people experience bed bug bites and infestations due to coming in contact with bed bugs in Orlando homes, hotels, retail stores and other businesses.
As a hot spot for tourism and people moving to the area, Orlando, Florida residents and visitors are at potential risk for suffering from bed bug bites and infestations. Victims of bed bugs have rights and potential ability to recover damages for their losses.
Get a free consultation regarding your Orlando bed bug case.
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Bed bugs hide in dark places and avoid the light. Therefore it is not likely that you see them during the day, except in the case of severe infestation or if you actively search for them. There are some telltale signs that indicate the presence of bed bugs. The most common signs include:
- Seeing evidence of reddish-brown spots on bedding
- Seeing the shed exoskeleton or actual bed bugs
- Itchy, red bites resembling mosquito bites, often in a line
Bed bugs do not just hide in bedding. The small reddish brown bugs hide in cracks and crevices such as baseboards or molding, inside drawers and other spots where they find fabric or wood. They even hide behind wallpaper.
Bed bugs infest homes, hotels, cruise ships, resorts, nursing homes, retail stores and other businesses. Given the high tourism and people moving into the area, Orlando provides an ideal home for bed bugs. In fact, several sources report Orlando as ranking in the top 40 cities in the United States for reported cases of bed bugs.
Do bed bugs spread disease?
In 2014, the University of Pennsylvania determined after numerous studies that bed bugs can transmit chagas disease. Although rare to contract, it is important you seek medical treatment if you come in contact with a bed bug infestation to ensure your safety.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that bed bugs “Affects each person differently.” In addition to being pathogen carrying vectors, bed bugs will bite multiple times, often appearing in a line. When bitten by bed bugs, you can suffer an allergic reaction. Reactions range from very mild to very severe.
Bed bug bites have the ability to cause respiratory symptoms including exacerbation of asthma symptoms, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. The bites often itch and if an individual frequently scratches the bites, developing a secondary infection is a possibility.
Where are bed bugs usually found?
Bed bugs often ride home with vacationers returning home from the Orlando area. Tenants often discover a bed bug infestation after moving into a new rental property or even after purchasing a single family home.
It is important to realize that it does not matter whether you live, visit or shop in an affluent area of Orlando or a lower income area. Bed bugs live in all areas of Orlando. Just because you decide to stay in a hotel in an upscale area does not protect you from bed bugs.
Bed bugs can be transported in items from rent-to-own stores and could potentially make a trip to your home during deliveries from Orlando retail or furniture stores.
Your rights after suffering bed bug bites or infestation
People do have rights after discovering a bed bug infestation in their home or after suffering the consequences of encountering them in a hotel or as the result of a furniture delivery to their home.
The National Conference of State Legislatures indicates that Florida is one of several states with at least some laws governing bed bugs. In Florida, “§ 83.51 Landlord’s Obligation to Maintain Premises” requires landlords to make reasonable provisions to rid their properties of bed bugs. Section 8351(2) (a) also requires that landlords make provisions for tenants when the landlord exterminates for bed bugs. The law provides that landlords must abate the rent for up to seven days if the tenant must vacate the premises during extermination.
Can I sue a hotel for bed bug bites in Orlando?
Orlando hotel owners and other businesses have an obligation to protect guests and customers from bed bugs. The Orlando bed bug attorneys help you attempt to recover losses when you suffer from bed bug bites or infestation. We’ll help you determine if you can file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your case.
Consult with an Orlando bed bug bite attorney today
Do not suffer losses because of the negligence of others. You have rights that potentially offer recovery for losses associated with your bed bug case. Get a free consultation from Orlando bed bug attorneys to learn more.