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When you visit Las Vegas for vacation or business, you usually don’t consider the possibility of being bitten by bedbugs while staying at a hotel. However, if hotel management neglects proper cleanliness and pest control, bedbugs can easily thrive. If bedbugs bite you, you may experience visible scars or ongoing skin irritation, making the experience even more distressing. You may be able to hold the owner liable for your injuries, but you must take early action to safeguard your legal rights.
What Should You Do If You Discover Bedbugs in Your Hotel Room?
Some of the procedures you should follow if bedbugs bite you are similar to those used in slip and fall and other premises liability claims. Others are specific to bedbug cases. Here are key actions to take:
Take photos
Look for signs that bedbugs may be present in your room. Signs of bedbugs include black or brown stains or mounds, dead insects, white eggs, and shed bedbug skin. Photograph any evidence of bedbugs, as well as your injuries.
Collecting bedbugs
If possible, capture a sample safely and store it securely to confirm the issue with your medical provider.
Seek quick medical attention.
Seek medical attention for bedbug bites as soon as possible. Prompt treatment minimizes complications and creates medical records confirming the cause of your injuries. It also prevents disagreements with the hotel’s insurance company over where you were exposed to bedbugs.
Dispose of the property.
If you suspect bedbugs have infested your clothes, luggage, or other belongings, remove those items carefully to avoid spreading bedbugs to your home. Take images of the personal items you intend to discard to demonstrate your entitlement to compensation for replacing them.
Understanding the Severity of Bedbug Infestations.
Bed Bugs are small, nocturnal pests that survive by feeding on humans while they rest. They are not limited to low-cost facilities but can also be found in luxury hotels. A bed bug infestation can cause not only physical discomfort from bites but also mental misery, significant health problems, and personal property damage.
- Bite Marks and Rashes: Bed bug bites frequently leave red, itchy welts on the skin. If touched aggressively, these bite marks can be unpleasant and cause subsequent illnesses.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to bed bug saliva, which can cause extreme symptoms. These may include extreme itching, swelling, and, in rare circumstances, difficulty breathing.
Proving Liability in a Bed Bug Lawsuit
To win a bed bug case, you must show that the hotel was negligent in providing a safe and sanitary environment for visitors, which resulted in your injuries and losses. This may include gathering evidence, such as:
- Witness evidence from others who discovered bed bugs in your hotel room or were attacked by bed bugs at the same hotel.
- Hotel records or inspection reports that show a history of bed bug infestations or a lack of basic maintenance.
- Evidence of medical treatment and expenses received as a result of bedbug bites.
- An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist you in obtaining and presenting evidence to support your claim.
Seeking Compensation for a Bed Bug Lawsuit
If your bed bug case against a hotel is successful, you may be eligible for compensation for the following losses:
- Medical Costs: Treatment for bites and any related health issues.
- Lost Income: Any wages missed while recovering.
- Pain and Suffering: Bed bug bites inflict pain and suffering, as well as an emotional toll, including anxiety or fear of future infestations.
- Damaged Property: Costs to replace or treat infested belongings.
The amount of compensation depends on the extent of your injuries and how clearly the hotel’s actions contributed to the problem.
Famous Las Vegas Hotel Bed Bug Lawsuits and Settlements
- Bellagio Hotel and Casino (2019): A man sued the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas after being attacked by bedbugs in his hotel room. The lawsuit accused the hotel of negligence for failing to maintain and inspect the room for bedbugs properly. The matter was settled outside of court for an undisclosed sum.
- Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino (2020): A couple sued the Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas after being bitten by bed bugs during their vacation. The lawsuit accused the hotel of failing to treat and control the bed insect infestation adequately. The case is still underway.
- Luxor Hotel and Casino (2021): A woman sued the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas after being bitten by bed bugs during her stay. The lawsuit accused the hotel of negligence for failing to maintain a bed bug-free environment and responding appropriately to her complaints. The case is still underway.
How Not to Bring Bed Bugs Home from Your Las Vegas Hotel
- Inspect your hotel room: Inspect your hotel room thoroughly upon arrival. Carefully check all items when you leave the hotel and again when you return.
- Keep your bags off the floor: Bed bugs can readily creep onto your luggage if it is left on the floor. Use a baggage rack or put your luggage on a firm surface, such as a table or dresser.
- Wash your clothes in hot water: If you believe that your clothing or luggage has been in contact with bed bugs, wash them as quickly as possible.
- Use Bed Bug Spray: Consider applying bed bug spray to your bags and clothing before leaving your hotel room.
- Inspect your home upon return: When you come home, check your luggage and clothing for any signs of bed bugs. Vacuum your luggage and store it in a plastic bag for a few days to eliminate any potential bed bugs.
Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Las Vegas Today
If you’ve suffered from bug bites in a Las Vegas hotel, we’re here to help. At Moss Berg Injury Lawyers, our attorneys specialize in Nevada premises liability cases and have the expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation, and let us hold negligent hotels accountable for their actions. Time is limited, so act now to protect your rights!