Bed bugs are small brownish insects that are oval in shape. These pests feed on the blood of animals and humans. Adult bed bugs are approximately the size of an apple seed, and they have flat bodies. Once they have fed, their bodies appear reddish in color, and their bodies swell. Bed bugs often hide in box springs, mattresses, headboards, and bed frames. However, they can spread quickly throughout a home in just a few days. In certain instances, people can file a claim for damages after developing a bed bug infestation. Below, our Malibu bed bug lawyer explains when this is possible.
Determining if You Have a Bed Bug InfestationBed bugs are most active at night. While people are sleeping, the pests come out and feed. They do this by piercing the skin with an elongated beak and withdrawing blood. Feeding usually takes between three and ten minutes for these bugs before they curry away and hide unnoticed.
At first, bed bug bites do not cause a great deal of discomfort. Over time, though, they turn into itchy welts. While flea bites mainly appear around the ankles, bed bugs can bite any area of skin that is exposed. Additionally, flea bites usually have a red center, while bed bugs do not.
People who are not accustomed to bed bug bites may think they have some other type of infestation, such as mosquitoes or fleas. To determine if you have a bed bug infestation, you must look in the cracks and crevices of furniture and identify the pests.
Who is Liable for Bed Bug Infestations?If you are a renter and have suffered from bed bug bites, you should consult with a Malibu bed bug attorney to learn of your rights and responsibilities. Renters can often file a claim against their landlord if they were negligent and failed to take reasonable care to prevent or eradicate an infestation. Generally speaking, landlords have a duty to maintain a safe living environment for tenants, and they must inspect their premises regularly for a bed bug infestation.
Anyone who sells a home must also inspect for bed bug infestations and eliminate the problem before anyone purchases the home. When there is a bed bug infestation in either a rental unit or a property that is for sale, landlords and owners have a duty to inform anyone who may want to move into the unit.
Our Bed Bug Lawyer in Malibu Can Help With Your InfestationWhile you may be able to file a claim for damages if your home is infested with bed bugs, doing so is not always easy. At Brod Law Firm, a bed bug attorney in Malibu can review the facts of your case, determine if someone else is liable for the pests, and hold them fully accountable for paying the full financial compensation you deserve. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about your legal options.