Myrtle Beach Bed Bug Lawyer

TIPS TO FOLLOW IF YOU FIND BED BUGS IN YOUR VACATION RENTAL OR HOTEL ROOM

1. Always record all evidence of a bed bug infestation, including the bed bugs themselves and the bites they leave on everyone.

Types of evidence to be collected for bed bug infestations can include pictures and videos of the bed bugs or bed bug spots found on the mattress, bed linens, headboards, furniture, carpet, curtains, or walls. If you were, bitten you should take pictures of the bed bugs bites as well. Bed bug bites will show up on your skin as small red bumps and often form in a zigzagging pattern.

2. Always report the bed bug infestation to the hotel staff and request that an injury or accident report be filled out.

Document the names and titles of the employees you talk to about the bed bug infestation and what you reported. The staff, among other things, should offer to move you to a non-infested room. In the incident report, make sure to document what evidence of bed bugs you saw, and where you saw the bed bugs in the room.

3. Seek medical attention if necessary.

Bed bug bites can cause severe allergic reactions, severe, intense, and constant itching as well as lead to bacterial infection such as cellulitis. Bed bug bites can also cause hyperpigmentation, disfigurement, and scarring. For those who are highly allergic, bed bug bites can trigger severe reactions including anaphylactic shock. It is better to be safe than sorry, and receiving medical care as soon as possible can help to reduce the risk of serious secondary complications. Documenting the injuries, you suffer from and your body’s reactions to bed bug bites is also helpful in seeking compensation for your injuries later.

4. Never sign a release of claims with the hotel or vacation rental.

The hotel may attempt to offer you compensation in the form of a free night’s stay, a gift card, a free dinner or other freebies and then ask you to sign a release of all of your claims. Although some of these offers might sound tempting, you should know that if you accept them, the hotel owners will claim that you have been fairly compensated for your injuries, regardless of the amount of damages caused and accrued after you check out.

5. Record all economic and property damages.

It is important to have an accurate record of the economic toll the bed bugs have taken on your life. This can include, records of any personal property that was damaged by any resulting infestation you brought home, including your clothing, luggage, blankets, mattresses, furniture, carpeting, and curtains. Record the costs of fumigation and extermination once you return home if necessary. You should also keep receipts for the costs of any medical treatment, or medications for the costs of replacing any personal items.

WHAT COMPENSATION AM I ENTITLED TO FOR BED BUG BITES?

Every case is unique and dependent of the particular facts of each case and the specific injuries suffered by each individual so there is no set dollar amount for victims of beg bug bites. If you have been bitten by bed bugs in a hotel or vacation rental and suffered a loss because of bed bugs, you may be eligible for damages, including:

• All medical costs related to the bed bug bites, including emergency room costs, medication, treatments, antibiotics, and surgery costs.
• Costs of future medical care, including costs related to rehabilitation and cosmetic surgery to reduce or eliminate scarring.
• Damages for any lost wages from time missed at work to receive medical care or recover from injuries.
• Damages for any loss of future income which are caused by an inability to travel including lost sales or commissions.
• Pain and suffering due to severe bites, lack of sleep because of fear or PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, fear of sleeping in unfamiliar places, depression, emotional trauma, mental stress, and other emotional effects. Many people suffer from emotional distress as a result of scarring on their bodies caused by bed bug bites.
• Property damage, including luggage and clothing that had to be destroyed and reimbursement for damaged or ruined upholstery, carpeting and bedding for infestations that were brought home with you. Damage to upholstery in your vehicle.
• Reimbursement for the costs of fumigation and extermination.

WHAT RIGHTS DO I HAVE

While staying at a hotel or other vacation accommodations, you have certain rights, including:

• The right to have safe, and clean accommodations.
• The right to proper sanitation.
• The right to not be intentionally harmed or placed in a position where you could be harmed by the negligence of the property owner or management company.