Many people travel throughout the year for business or personal reasons, and perhaps you are someone who has spent time in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, or another city in the state of Ohio. If you stayed at a hotel or motel during this time, you may have noticed the signs of bed bugs in the bed, chair, couch, and other areas of the room. Or, you woke up with itchy, red and swollen bite marks that clearly indicate the presence of bed bugs.
Alternatively, you rent an apartment in Ohio and find that there is an infestation on the property. You complain about the issue to your landlord, but they ignore your requests for help, even though they were aware of the problem even before they rented the apartment to you. Even worse, they continually refuse to take any action to remedy the problem and ignore your calls and emails altogether.
These are nightmare scenarios that no one should have to live with, and that’s why Ohio has bed bug laws that allow you to seek monetary compensation for bodily harm, emotional trauma, and damage to your belongings. To protect yourself and your loved ones right from the start, make sure to contact an experienced Ohio bed bug attorney.
Why Bed Bugs are Harmful
Bed bugs are hazardous pests that are commonly found in rental properties, like apartments, Airbnbs, hotels, and motels. The insects are small, and may appear reddish-brown, brown, yellow, white, or translucent in color.
These pests hide in small, dark crevices and come out at night to feed on the blood of humans, who are usually asleep. That’s why it’s important to check certain places, like the pillows, bed sheets, under the mattress, sofas, chairs, and behind picture frames when you check into a room or other rented accommodation.
Keep in mind that bed bugs are resistant to standard chemicals that are used by exterminators. There is a specialized process to get rid of these pests, and landlords / property owners must supply evidence of such treatment upon request.
The Dangers of Exposure to Bed Bugs
Those who are exposed to a bed bug infestation at Ohio hotels, motels, and other rentals can suffer itchy, red bites all over their body. These bites can cause allergic reactions that lead to infections, permanent scars, and other serious injuries. Being exposed to bed bugs can also result in psychological damage, and it’s not unusual for these victims to struggle with insomnia, anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks.
If you suffered in any way from a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to learn about your rights and legal options from an Ohio bed bug injury lawyer.
Bed Bug Laws in the State of Ohio
As someone who was bitten by bed bugs, you probably have questions about the laws that apply to bed bug infestations in Ohio.
Unlike most other states, Ohio has no clear statutes or tenancy laws on a landlord’s obligation to take care of bed bugs on the property. However, you and your loved ones still have the right to stay in a safe environment, and there is ample evidence to show that bed bugs are a public health hazard. Therefore, any place with an infestation in uninhabitable, making it the landlord’s responsibility to take care of the problem in a timely manner.
Fortunately, those who stay at hotels and motels do have specific protections under the law. Ohio’s statute of Hotels and Single Room Occupancy Facilities prohibits businesses from using bed bug infested bedding. In addition, owners must take measures to rid the premises of health hazards, which include bed bugs.
For more information on Ohio’s bed bug laws and how they apply to your situation, reach out to us today and schedule a free case review.
Filing a Bed Bug Lawsuit in Ohio
Based on the legal system in Ohio, you have the right to file a complaint and compensation claim for begs if the landlord of business owner was negligent in their duty of care. That means the owner had a duty to protect you from hazardous conditions that could have been resolved with reasonable measures. So, by failing to take care of a known bed bug infestation, the owner breached their duty of care to you. This makes them liable for the harm you sustained, which is why you are allowed to seek damages by filing a bed bug lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations to Sue for Bed Bug Injuries
If you are interested in filing a bed bug compensation claim, you must do so within 2 years of the date of injury. Or, you can file a claim within 2 years of when you suffered property damage from a bed bug infestation. Many people have claims for both injuries and property loss, and the compensation that is owed cannot be recovered if you are past the 2-year statute of limitations. This is why it’s essential to contact a lawyer immediately, who can help you gather evidence and initiate the legal process for a bed bug lawsuit.
What to Do if You are Exposed to Bed Bugs
Now that you have a sense of the laws regarding bed bug infestations, you should also learn about the steps you can take to build a solid case against the property owner. Please take the following actions if you are exposed to bed bugs at an Ohio rental property:
- Take photos of any physical harm / injuries to yourself or your loved ones.
- Take photos of damaged property and signs of bed bugs on the premises (bed bug feces, blood stains, eggs, etc.).
- Report the infestation to the hotel manager, owner, etc. in writing and retain a copy for your own records.
- Get medical attention right away to document your injuries.
- Start a collection of evidence, like medical records, proof of lost time from work, list of damaged items and estimated value, and communications between you and the property owner.
- Contact a lawyer who is experienced in bed bug infestation claims in Ohio.
Speak to an Ohio Bed Bug Lawyer
Legal advice is critical for anyone who is injured or suffered property damage due to another party’s negligence. Our legal team is available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call if you were exposed to a bed bug infestation in Ohio.
Clients at Bed Bug Legal Group receive the Zero Fee Guarantee, so you pay $0 upfront to hire a bed bug injury attorney. The only time we get paid is upon the recovery of your settlement, so if we lose your case, you owe us $0 in legal fees.
We look forward to fighting for you and delivering the compensation you deserve. Please get in touch and learn how we can assist you during a free case evaluation.
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