New Jersey bed bug infestations have proven to be a frustrating pest and they definitely require the help of a licensed New Jersey pest control expert to eradicate. These bloodsuckers have crept their way into many people’s luggage, hotels, schools, movie theaters, hospitals, homes, and apartments. Bed bug infestations have now been reported in all 50 states, some worse than others.
The Washington, DC area was recently ranked as #9 for having the most bed bug infestations reported. With the new upsurge in bed bug calls to pest control experts, and the lack of specific laws on the books regarding bed bug infestations, many new lawsuits are in the works.
A lawyer in the suburbs of Washington, DC has now gained the title as Maryland’s bed bug barrister. He is quickly becoming the leading legal eagle when it comes to bed bug related lawsuits in the state. According to the Washington Post, since the beginning of September of 2010, he has filed eight separate lawsuits on behalf of bed bug victims.
Most of the victims that the lawyer represents resided in apartments that were infested with bed bugs. The claims for damage range from $100,000 to $3.55 million! Some industry insiders are questioning the dollar amount that is being claimed in these bed bug lawsuits. In 2002, a Chicago Motel 6 had to pay $5,000 in compensatory damages and $186,000 each in punitive damages to two siblings that were attacked by bed bugs. The $382,000 verdict was challenged, and then upheld by the appeals court judge, which shows that bed bug victims can be compensated within the court system.
Like in many other states, bed bug lawsuits are new to the court system in Maryland so it will be interesting to see if these cases will actually go to trial or will be settled quietly out of court.
Businesses are at risk of encountering bed bugs at any point in time. It would be wise to devise a good bed bug eradication policy and engage a licensed pest control company before a bed bug infestation hits your company.
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One response to “With Bed Bug Numbers Rising…So Will Bed Bug Lawsuits!”
They claim history frequently repeats itself, now it’s bed bug problems what’s next Congress squandering time on the Healthcare bill when they should really be working full time on creating job opportunities?