Bed bug infestations can develop in any location all over the U.S., regardless of city or state. Bed bugs can be difficult to exterminate and prevent from spreading after they’ve begun to infest an area, especially if another negligent party enabled them to spread. Oftentimes, negligence causes bed bug infestations as business owners or others fail to identify and address infestations before they have the chance to spread.
If you believe that a bed bug infestation in Salem, Oregon developed because of another party’s negligence and you or a loved one sustained injuries and other damages, you may be able to seek compensation with the help of an attorney. Our experienced legal team handling bed bug cases that happened in Salem may be able to represent you on a pre-litigation basis if you have a viable case.
How Victims May Recover Compensation for Bed Bug Infestations in Salem
If you or a loved one endured bites or damaged property because of bed bugs while staying at a hotel or in your home, you may be able to recover certain damages, including financial losses and pain and suffering.
Bed bugs can develop in any location, even if that area is perceivably clean. If blood meals are available to them, bed bugs will be able to thrive unless they’re identified and eliminated. Many people believe that a dirty environment facilitates their spread, but as long as people and animals are around to supply them with food, bed bugs can arise anywhere.
How Bed Bugs Spread in Salem, Oregon
Bed bugs often spread because of the negligence of another person or company. Bed bugs can easily and quickly travel from one location to another, making their home anywhere where food is available. They may spread in homes, apartments, hotel rooms, or businesses, which is why property owners need to make sure that steps are in place to remove existing pests and prevent their spread. If they fail to do so, they may be liable for any damages, including injuries resulting from bed bug bites and property damage.
Landlords are often responsible for bed bug infestations that occur in apartments due to their failure to spot and eliminate bed bugs. To reduce or eliminate liability, they may claim that tenants were responsible for an infestation after bringing these pests home from their travels. While it’s possible for tenants to unwittingly bring bed bugs home after traveling, they may be able to prove that the infestation was present in the apartment due to the landlord’s negligence. With sufficient evidence, claimants may be able to prove that landlords or other parties helped cause the spread of bed bugs and subsequent damages.
If any party is deemed liable for bed bug bites, they may need to pay for all damages sustained, whether economic or non-economic.
How to Spot Bed Bugs Infestations in Salem
If a landlord or another party was responsible for a bed bug infestation because of their negligence, there are ways you can identify bed bugs and collect evidence to build a case.
Bed bug bites are the most common sign of bed bug infestations. Bites appear in small clusters or lines along the bite area and typically take the form of red, itchy bumps. Because these bites may resemble those of other pests, it’s important to look for physical evidence of bed bugs themselves. Adults may be visible in bedding or other nearby furniture and resemble apple seeds in their shape, color, and size. Eggs may also be visible as small white pills, or you may spot sheddings or dark brown or red fecal spots on bedding.
As soon as you spot any potential evidence of a bed bug infestation, take photos and record video evidence that you may be able to use to support your case with the help of an attorney.
The Damages That Bed Bug Bite Victims May Be Able to Recover with a Salem Bed Bug Attorney
If a bed bug infestation develops because of another person or entity’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation with the help of a reputable bed bug attorney.
Some of the types of monetary damages that victims may recover in these cases include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages resulting from time taken off from work to recover
- Prescriptions
- Professional extermination
- Furniture replacements
- Replacements for any damaged personal belongings
Non-monetary damages may include:
- Psychological distress
- Social isolation
- Embarrassment from the incident
- Insomnia or other similar symptoms
If you would like to determine whether you have a bed bug infestation claim that our office can assist with, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our bed bug attorneys who handle certain types of cases that happened in Salem.
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 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.