Throughout the U.S., instances of bed bug infestations and bite incidents have increased, including incidents in Port St. Lucie and other cities in Florida. Bed bugs are a serious issue for many individuals all over the U.S. They may spread and infest a variety of spaces, including homes, hotel rooms, and stores, often due to a third party’s negligence.
If you suspect that another party’s negligence caused an infestation and resulting bites, our team of reputable Port St. Lucie bed bug injury attorneys may be able to provide representation during the pre-litigation process. With our help, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages from negligence parties including landlords, hotel owners, and furniture store or rental outlet owners.
How to Determine if You’re Experiencing a Bed Bug Infestation in Port St. Lucie
If you sustain any bed bug bites or an infestation in your home or during a stay at a hotel, you may be able to recover certain damages.
Bed bug infestations can take place in any location and at any time, regardless of the area’s cleanliness. Many people believe that bed bugs only thrive in dirty environments, but they can actually flourish anywhere if blood meals are available.
How Bed Bug Infestations Develop in Port St. Lucie
One of the most common causes of bed bug infestations is negligence. Bed bugs have the ability to make any location their home, including homes, hotel rooms, and apartments unless the necessary steps are taken to prevent them from spreading. Certain negligent parties such as landlords and hotel owners often don’t take the steps needed to mitigate the risk of bed bugs and other pests, which can result in harmful infestations that can potentially injure guests, residents, and homeowners.
Negligent landlords often enable the spread of bed bugs throughout apartment complexes as a result of their failure to properly identify and address the problem. At the same time, they may claim that tenants are responsible for the infestation after bringing bed bugs with them from their travels. However, it’s important for tenants to determine the extent of the infestation, investigate any past and current issues at the property, and figure out whether or not recent trips could have inadvertently resulted in the infestation upon their return. Tenants may also buy furniture that was already infested upon purchase from a local store. Landlords may be responsible for bed bugs in apartment buildings, so if a tenant can prove that a long-term problem occurred at the facility, and can confirm that his or her travels didn’t unintentionally introduce bed bugs into the apartment, it may be possible to pursue legal action against the landlords in these cases.
If any party is found to have been negligent and subsequently caused an infestation and injuries, they may be liable for any damages sustained.
How to Determine if a Bed Bug Infestation Is Occurring in Port St. Lucie
If you believe that your apartment, home, or hotel room is infested with bed bugs, you may be able to check the space for any signs of infestations and identify the presence of bed bugs.
If you suspect you have encountered bed bugs one of the most common signs is the presence of bites. Bites can be seen in the form of small lines or clusters of red, itchy bumps or blisters. You may also be able to spot the bed bugs on their own. Adults are around the same shape and size as apple seeds. Eggs, on the other hand, are small, white, and pill-shaped. You may also be able to see sheddings in the surrounding area. If you don’t find any bed bugs, you may be able to spot red or brown spots on bedding or other nearby furniture.
Once you see any evidence of bed bugs, capture photos or video of it as soon as possible, which you may be able to use in a case with the help of an attorney.
What Are the Damages That I Could Recover with a Port St. Lucie Bed Bug Lawyer?
If a bed bug infestation occurs because of another party’s negligence, you may sustain both monetary and non-monetary damages.
Monetary damages might include:
- Medical treatments
- Prescriptions
- Professional extermination
- Furniture replacement
- Personal belongings replacement
- Lost wages
Non-monetary damages may include:
- Psychological suffering
- Embarrassment
- Social isolation
- Any similar symptoms
Contact our experienced Port St. Lucie bed bug lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your potential pre-litigation bed bug case.