As one of America’s most recognized furniture stores, Bob’s Discount Furniture is known for their competitive prices and helpful staff members. Since the business opened in 1991, Bob’s has maintained a solid reputation, with over 177 stores in 24 states. In spite of their success, any business that sells home furnishings must take preventative measures to protect customers from bed bugs.
Did you or someone in your family purchase furniture from a Bob’s Discount location? Did you discover a bed bug infestation in the furniture you purchased? If so, you are dealing with the harmful effects of bed bugs in your home, which would not have happened were it not for the store’s negligence. In these instances, you may have grounds to file a bed bug lawsuit for monetary compensation.
For more information on suing for injuries and property damage caused by bed bugs, contact the offices of Bed Bug Legal Group and schedule a free case review.
How to Identify Bed Bugs
We’ve all seen our share of common household pests like ants and cockroaches, but bed bugs are a very different species of insects. Bed bugs are small, blood-sucking insects that come out primarily at night, meaning they are nocturnal. While people are asleep, the bugs bite the flesh and feed on their blood, leaving behind itchy, swollen, red bites that you may not discover until the next morning.
The bites are incredibly itchy, so there is a tendency to scratch or rub the area, thereby increasing the possibility of serious infections and permanent scars. Some people also have severe allergic reactions to bed bug saliva and experience potentially fatal complications like anaphylaxis. What complicates matters is how difficult it can be to spot bed bugs, as they hide in places you normally forget about, like under mattresses, in between sofa cushions, within bed frames, in luggage, clothes in storage containers, and even behind wall hangings.
Aside from the physical injuries, those who live through a bed bug infestation develop psychological trauma that can take years to resolve. One also has to consider the loss of property caused by bed bugs; many people have to throw out their clothes, furniture, bedding, toys, and other items that are contaminated by bed bugs.
Bed Bugs Brought in from a Furniture Store
Bed bugs is probably the last thing you think about when you are selecting new furniture for your home. Unfortunately, bed bugs are commonly brought in from furniture stores, and the unsuspecting customer has no idea that their new couch, bed, etc. has been infested. This is due to the fact that furniture delivered to customers typically sits in a warehouse for long periods of time. Plus, the items may not be inspected prior to the delivery, meaning that the store has missed the opportunity to check the furniture for bed bugs.
After the furniture has been in your home for a few days, you may start to notice signs of bed bugs, which include:
- Red, itchy welts on your body, usually in a cluster or a line pattern
- Red or rust-colored spots on bedding (blood stains from bites)
- Bed bug fecal matter (small, dark spots or smears)
- Shed skin from bed bugs
- Tiny, oval-shaped eggs that are yellow or cream-colored
- A musty, sweet odor once there is a large infestation
Is Bob’s Discount Furniture Responsible for a Bed Bug Infestation?
No one expects to have their home infested by bed bugs when they purchase items from a well-known business like Bob’s Discount Furniture Store. So, is the company liable for the harm you suffered if the furniture you bought was contaminated by bed bugs?
Yes, Bob’s Discount Furniture may be liable for your injuries and property loss, as they have a duty to maintain their products and ensure they are safe for consumers. Depending on the issues that caused the furniture to be infested, the business may have breached their duty of care to you and other customers.
If you or anyone in your family was harmed by bed bugs due to furniture that was sold to you by Bob’s Discount Furniture, contact our law firm as soon as possible. We will educate you on your rights and help you take the legal actions that are available to you.
Your Right to Monetary Damages from a Bed Bug Lawsuit
Based on the details of your incident, you may be eligible for a bed bug injury claim against Bob’s Discount Furniture Store. What can you receive as a victim of bed bug injuries caused by negligence? Here are the damages that you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses to treat bed bug bites and related complications, as well as therapy and other treatments for mental health issues caused by a long-term / severe infestation
- Lost wages / income due to one’s recovery needs
- Costs associated with extermination services
- Compensation for loss of personal property
- Pain and suffering / emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence by the defendant (applicable only in cases that go to trial)
How Much Time Do I have to File a Bed Bug Claim?
Please note that you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a bed bug claim against Bob’s Discount Furniture Stores. It’s a good idea to verify the statute of limitations with a bed bug attorney, as you may have qualifying circumstances that change how long you have for a lawsuit. Regardless of how much time you have, it’s essential to file a claim as soon as possible. If you are past the deadline for a personal injury lawsuit, you will end up losing the right to compensation altogether, even if the store is clearly at fault for the infestation.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Legal advice is the key to a successful outcome when someone else failed to take reasonable care that would have kept you from being harmed. That’s why we invite you to contact Bed Bug Legal Group and talk to a member of our legal team.
The bed bug lawsuit attorneys at our office work on contingency, and all clients are protected by the Zero Fee Guarantee from day one. That means you do not pay us a retainer or fees on an hourly basis; instead, we wait to obtain a percentage of your settlement check. So, either we get paid by winning your case, or we make nothing at all.
For a detailed discussion of your rights and legal options, give us a call to schedule a consultation, completely free of charge.
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