With 29 locations throughout the U.S., Westgate Resorts may not be one of the largest hotel chains in the nation, but it is a popular destination for many travelers.
Regardless of how reputable this chain may be, Westgate Resorts aren’t immune to bed bug infestations any more than other chains.
As a guest, you should understand that bed bugs can reside in any hotel, regardless of how well-known or well-regarded the chain is. Therefore, if you plan on visiting a Westgate Resorts hotel or any other hotel, you should be aware of the risk that bed bugs pose.
There are certain steps you can take if you decide to stay at a Westgate Resorts facility. If you find an infestation while staying at one of these locations, Bed Bug Injury Law may be able to help you if you sustain any injuries and you suspect negligence was the cause.
Check for Bed Bugs in a Westgate Resorts Hotel
It’s important to perform an initial check for bed bugs in your Westgate Resorts hotel room before settling in for your stay.
You may be able to file a claim and recover any damages sustained but taking the time to inspect the hotel room for bed bugs can help save the stress of dealing with the consequences of bed bugs.
Thankfully, bed bugs aren’t invisible, and you may be able to spot them or at least see signs of an infestation easily if you know what to look for and where to look.
Some of the locations to check for bed bugs include bed sheets, mattress seams, underneath the mattress, and under and behind the bed. These are some favorite hiding places for bed bugs, but you can spot them easily at every stage of their lifecycle. Adult bed bugs are small and oval-shaped like apple seeds, and will appear reddish brown or pale brown, depending on when they last consumed a blood meal. You may also be able to spot round pill-shaped eggs and sheddings if adults aren’t visible.
Bed bug excrement may also be visible in the form dark red or brown spots on bedding. In addition to bedding, check other furniture such as chairs or couches, or in closets or any other locations that are dark and warm, where bed bugs love to hide. If you spot any evidence, photograph or video record it to use as evidence when building a case.
One you’ve collected evidence, notify management of the issue and request another room away from the infestation if possible. However, you may want to check out of the hotel and look for another location nearby.
What You Should Know Before Filing a Claim Against Westgate Resorts
Bed bug infestations in hotels don’t simply happen. The hotel management staff needs to know how to properly mitigate and prevent bed bug infestations. If negligence on the part of management or owners is responsible for a bed bug infestation, this could be the basis for a viable claim against Westgate Resorts.
After suffering from a bed bug infestation, you may be eligible to recover compensation with a claim, but you will need to prove negligence with the help of a reliable attorney. One way to prove negligence is if the hotel became aware of the infestation but neglected to take the proper steps to eliminate it.
You will also need sufficient physical evidence of an infestation and negligence, which is why you should take photos of any signs of an infestation. You should also document all doctor visits, lost wages, or any time taken off from work to recover.
How We Can Help Determine if You Have a Case
Prior to filing a claim, you need to ensure that you have a case against Westgate Resorts regarding your injuries. Working with someone experienced in these matters is crucial to building a strong case and giving you the assistance you need when filing a claim.
A reputable bed bug attorney will be able to review all photos and other documentation and determine if you have a case. To learn more about whether you have a case and the types of compensation you may be eligible to recover, contact us today for a free consultation.
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 only. 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 can work with local counsel upon the execution of a new agreement.