The proliferation of bed bugs is a public health hazard, and unfortunately, these creatures are difficult to get rid of once there is an infestation. It doesn’t help that bed bugs can survive for months without eating, and traditional methods of extermination do not work on them.
As someone who is staying at a hotel or renting an apartment in Alaska, it can be shocking to wake up with bed bug bites or notice signs of bed bugs in your clothes and other possessions. Victims of bed bug infestations have many questions about their rights, including “Can I sue somebody if I was exposed to bed bugs on their property?”
The legal experts of Bed Bug Legal Group are here to help, so please contact us anytime if you sustained injuries or property damage from a bed bug infestation in Alaska.
How You can be Injured by Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny, nocturnal insects that hide in dark crevices, like in between furniture, floorboards and mattresses. In some cases, bed bugs have even been found in between dry wall, and they are very good at staying hidden for long periods of time.
As they are nocturnal, they generally come out at night when people are sleeping and feed on their blood. When you wake up, you may find a trail of bite marks that are red and itchy. Some people have severe allergic reactions to bed bug venom, like anaphylaxis. Others may experience burning and itching, and a strong inclination to scratch at the bite marks. This can cause infections when germs get into the wounds, and this is why many people who are bitten by bed bugs end up with skin infections. People can also end up with permanent scars from the aggravated wounds.
Bed bugs can cause serious physical and emotional suffering, along with damage to your personal belongings. Victims may be entitled to monetary compensation, so they should contact an Alaska bed bug lawsuit lawyer as soon as possible.
Bed Bug Laws in Alaska
Essentially, the state of Alaska mandates business and property owners to maintain their premises and ensure that conditions on the premises are safe and sanitary. The requirement is especially strict for landlords, who face severe consequences if they violate the state’s bed bug laws. On the other hand, if you were bitten by bed bugs while staying at a friend’s house, there are no protections that you can rely on. So, you would need to establish that you were not just a guest, but a tenant with a legal agreement to rent the property from the owner.
Since 2016, there have been changes to Alaska’s bed bug laws for owners of apartments and other rental properties. The new statutes introduced harsher penalties, including increased fines and enhanced building codes. In short, landlords have a legal duty to deal with household pests immediately, like contacting a professional exterminating service.
Alaska’s Landlord-Tenant Bed Bug Laws
The laws in Alaska impose fines on landlords who refuse to take care of bed bugs and other pest infestations on a rental property. Thus, if you are renting an apartment in Alaska, you have the right to live in a safe and sanitary environment, and demand action from your landlord when you discover bed bugs in the property.
Alaska’s Landlord-Tenant Law Section 34.03.100 states that rented properties must be sanitary and habitable. This includes premises that are free of bed bugs and other insect infestations. However, you will need to prove that you are not responsible for bringing the bed bugs into the property. Thus, it’s important to discuss your situation with a bed bug lawyer who is familiar with the legal requirements for a lawsuit in Alaska.
Bed Bugs Laws for Hotel Owners
In Alaska, there are specific laws that apply to owners of hotels, motels, and similar accommodations. But these rules are fairly similar to the ones that apply to landlords, like not renting out rooms when there are signs of an infestation. If the owner still goes ahead and rents the room, suite, etc., they can be heavily fined by the state and sued by the injured victim.
The vast majority of bed bug incidents occur at hotels due to the influx of visitors that come into the premises on a daily basis. Many of these people can bring in bed bugs in their luggage, so hotel staff and owners must be extra vigilant and keep an eye out for signs of an infestation. Guests can also check Alaska’s bed bug registry prior to booking a room at any of the state’s hotels and motels.
Statute of Limitations in Alaska for a Bed Bug Claim
The state of Alaska provides injury victims with a deadline of 2 years if they wish to file a bed bug infestation claim. The 2-year deadline applies in most cases of personal injury and property damage, and there are very few exceptions for those who are past the statute of limitations. That means if you fail to take action in a timely manner, you could lose the right to sue altogether. The legal experts of Bed Bug Legal Group can investigate your case and ensure that the necessary paperwork is filed on time.
Compensation from a Bed Bug Lawsuit
The combined value of physical injuries, emotional distress, property damage, moving costs, hotel fees, and other financial losses can add up to a significant sum of money. You have the right to demand these payments from the negligent landlord or business owner. However, it can be challenging to navigate the legal system and find obtain a fair amount of damages.
By getting in touch with us, you can receive strong and skilled representation from an Alaska bed bug infestation attorney. Reach out to us and learn about the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages that may be available to you.
Contact Bed Bug Legal Group
Our law firm has a team of dedicated bed bug lawsuit attorneys, who are ready to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With a proven track record of recovered settlements, you can count on us to get results if you were exposed to bed bugs at a hotel, motel, or any other rental accommodations in Alaska.
We operate on contingency, so you do not have to pay any legal fees upfront. The cost of representing you is recovered at the end of your lawsuit, and only if you receive compensation from the party at fault. That’s the premise of the Zero Fee Guarantee, which is here to protect your finances from day one.
If you would like a free consultation to learn about your rights and legal options, contact us today.
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