Bed Bug Attorney Servicing Deep Creek Lake, MD
Deep Creek Lake holds the title as the largest inland body of water, and due to that generates a large amount of tourists and vacation-goers. With this much tourism, hotels and rentals have a very strong presence in the area and can sometimes put you in an unfortunate situation with bed bugs. We realize this could potentially ruin your whole trip, and that’s why Whitney, LLP helps you hold the people responsible for your compensation.
If you suffered health complications or financial losses due to a bed bug infestation at your apartment or hotel room in Deep Creek Lake, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. But you don’t have to go through the process of filing your claim alone. At Whitney, LLP, we are Deep Creek Lake bed bug lawyers who are dedicated to providing the strategic, aggressive legal guidance you need.
The bed bug litigation attorneys of Whitney, LLP have over 25 years of combined legal experience representing the victims of bed bug infestations against negligent hotels, landlords, and exterminators. No matter how complex or overwhelming your case might be feeling right now, we can help you pick up the pieces and hold the negligent parties accountable. The Whitney law firm has recovered over $10 million for our clients in bed bug cases. Here is what our clients have to say about us. Attorney’s fees and case expenses are paid from only from compensation we recover for you.
Bed Bug Appearance
Bed bugs are flightless, brown, parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood. Typically most active at night – though sometimes noticeable during the day, if an infestation is severe – bed bugs can be identified by their distinctive, morphing shape. Normally flat in appearance and just a few millimeters long, bed bugs can grow to roughly one quarter of an inch while consuming a blood meal. When feeding, their flattened bodies engorge and elongate, becoming shaped more like a seed or cigar, to accommodate blood from their hosts. For this reason, bed bugs are sometimes confused with ticks, which possess eight legs compared to bed bugs’ six.
How to Tell if You’ve Been Bitten by Bed Bugs
In most cases, bite reactions include small pink welts, which may be mildly to extremely itchy for up to several weeks. Some individuals experience no physical reactions at all, while others, at the opposite end of the spectrum, endure debilitating symptoms and health complications.
Because of the variations in physical responses to bed bug bites, prompt and professional diagnosis is critical. The sooner you receive a medical diagnosis, the sooner you can start on any necessary treatment.
Health Problems Caused by Bed Bug Infestations in Deep Creek Lake, MD
Many people have a perception that bed bug bites are simply “itchy” or “annoying.” What fewer realize is that, unfortunately, bites can lead to serious health problems – even in individuals who did not initially experience severe reactions to being bitten. For example, itchy but otherwise harmless bites can lead to excessive scratching. This creates wounds in the skin, potentially leading to secondary bacterial infections. Skin infections that have been linked to bed bug infestations include impetigo, cellulitis, lymphangitis, and ecthyma.
A less common but perhaps even more dangerous complication is anaphylaxis, an allergic response that can be triggered by proteins contained in the bed bug’s saliva. Some individuals have heightened sensitivity to these proteins (called “antigens”), resulting in an anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms of anaphylaxis – which can progress rapidly without swift medical intervention – can include nausea or vomiting, weakness and fatigue, confusion, facial swelling, respiratory problems, and ultimately, shock or even death.
Bed bug infestations can also wreak terrible financial and emotional harm. Victims frequently report struggling with anxiety, depression, and insomnia – conditions which are only exacerbated by the physical and financial devastation an infestation can leave behind.
Suing Your Landlord, Hotel, or Rental Owner for Bed Bugs in Maryland
When you sue a landlord or hotel in Maryland, you will need to prove that the other party was somehow “negligent.” Negligence is a complex legal concept, but put simply, means that a person (or business) failed to take the normal, reasonable actions that would be expected to prevent an injury or accident from occurring, considering the circumstances. For example, negligent property maintenance often plays a role in allowing preventable bed bug infestations – and the bites they result in – to flourish.
Since the claimant or plaintiff carries the burden of proof, the injury victim is responsible for proving that negligence occurred and somehow caused his or her injuries. Examples of evidence that can support a claim include photos of the infested property, photos of the bites, medical records, and expert medical opinions. If it is not possible to settle the claim out of court, it may be necessary to litigate the case. Compensation that may be recoverable includes compensation for medical bills, lost or damaged property, and mental anguish caused by the infestation.
Deep Creek Lake Bed Bug Claim Attorneys
If you were bitten by bed bugs in your apartment or hotel room in Deep Creek Lake, ask the experienced bed bug attorneys of Whitney, LLP about your legal options. You may have a robust case against your landlord, the manager of the hotel you were staying at, or other parties whose negligent acts contributed to your injuries and financial losses. To discuss your potential claim confidentially in a free legal consultation, contact our law offices online today, or call Whitney, LLP at (410) 583-8000.