The appearance of bedbugs in hotel rooms has dramatically increased in the last few years. Sadly, sleeping in beds where other people have previously slept puts you at risk for encountering these disgusting bugs. Bed bug bites will cause pain, redness, and itching. After finding an infestation, it can be expensive and ineffective for hotels to spray insecticide. Many times they are left untreated. Even worse, a hotel guest may take bed bugs home in their luggage and clothing without even knowing it. If you have unfortunately found bed bugs while staying at a hotel you may be wondering if you can sue.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Scientifically known as cimex lectularius, bed bugs are actually parasites that survive by feeding on animal and human blood. A bed bug is typically about the size of an average apple seed. They are reddish-brown and can live in beds, couches, chairs, and other furniture as well as bedding, fabrics that luggage is made from, and clothing. They are also able to survive inside of walls and can pass from one room to another through wall circuits and outlets. Unfortunately, they can enter hotel rooms and build a nest inside of your clothing or suitcases and then take up residence in the room itself and infect other guests that room there after you.
Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?
Bed bug bites can range from just mildly annoying to severely painful and are known to wake people up from their sleep. They are rarely a serious health concern. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bed bugs are not known to be hosts of transferable diseases. Bites can usually be treated with an over the counter antiseptic lotion coupled with an antihistamine to stop the itching. They only pose a greater risk when victims of a bite engage in excessive scratching, which may leave the wound open to infection.
Providing Proof of Negligence
The key in successfully suing a hotel for damages related to a bed bug bite or infestation, you must be able to prove that the hotel was negligent in court. Taking pictures or videos of the bugs in your room is a great way to do so. If a hotel has a legal duty to check each of its room, the client can show that the hotel was negligent in its duty and a legal case can then be made. Speak with a trusted attorney about your options.
