The ONLY Maryland Bed Bug Attorney You Need!
The Maryland bed bug attorneys of Whitney, LLP have many years of experience handling personal injury claims against hotels, landlords, and other parties responsible for bed bug infestations. If you were bitten by bed bugs at your home or apartment in Maryland, or while you were visiting a hotel, AirBnB, or bed-and-breakfast, we can help you fight for compensation.
You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, your pain and suffering, and costs related to property damage and replacement. To learn more in a free and confidential legal consultation, contact Whitney, LLP online, or call our law offices at (410) 583 8000 to speak with an attorney. 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.
We represent clients bitten by bed bugs across Maryland including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Carroll County, Charles County and Worcester County.
To learn more about how Whitney, LLP can help with bed bug legal claims, read our bed bug blogs or watch our YouTube channel for more information. Here are some of our bed bug case results.
Important Information About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, brown, nocturnal insects which feed exclusively on blood. Due to their adaptability, resistance to extreme temperatures, and their ability to go for long periods without eating, bed bugs have successfully conquered all types of environments, from rural communities to major urban centers like Baltimore, Frederick, and Ocean City.
Bed bugs can look radically different depending on how recently they have fed. Similar to ticks, they are capable of expanding dramatically to accommodate the blood they consume. In their normal state, bed bugs appear to be thin or flattened. When feeding, their disc-like bodies change to become more like cylinders, swelling with blood from their host.
Identifying a Bed Bug Infestation in Maryland
Live insects are not the only signs of a bed bug infestation. Have you noticed any unusual, unpleasant odors in your home, apartment, or hotel room? If so, bed bugs may be the culprit. This unpleasant, somewhat sweet smell – which has been compared to foods ranging from almonds to cilantro (coriander) – is caused by alarm pheromones that are released by bed bugs as warnings to others when possible attackers are detected.
Your mattress can also give you clues about a potential infestation. If bed bugs are present in your room, your mattress will likely be flecked with tiny, dark stains. These stains occur when bed bugs defecate, or are crushed by their hosts as they sleep. You may also see other debris, such as egg cases or molted skins.
Identifying Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites can generally be identified by the following traits:
- The bites typically appear several hours to several days after feeding occurs.
- The bites are usually raised or puffy in appearance.
- The bites are generally a pink or reddish color.
- In some individuals, the bites may blister and ooze.
While these are the common responses, reactions to bed bug bites can vary. Some people do not have any physical reaction, and may not even know that they have been bitten. At the other end of the spectrum are individuals with heightened sensitivity to bed bugs, who are at risk for more serious health issues.
Are Bed Bug Bites Harmful?
Unfortunately, the short answer to this question is yes. While most people do not report serious adverse reactions to being bitten, there are also cases of severe complications requiring urgent medical treatment. For example, bed bug bites are capable of triggering, in some individuals, an allergic reaction called “anaphylaxis,” which can produce symptoms like vomiting and breathing problems or even be fatal.
Additionally, scratching bed bug bites can cut the skin, creating entry points for harmful bacteria that are capable of causing skin infections such as cellulitis, impetigo, lymphangitis, and ecthyma. Depending on the severity of scabbing or blistering caused by bed bug bites, the victim may be left with deep scarring that is difficult or impossible to completely remove, even with costly medical treatment. Living with bed bugs can also create mental health risks for infestation victims, with anxiety, depression, and insomnia commonly reported.
Who is Liable for Bed Bugs in Maryland?
Bed bug liability is a complex issue that depends on a number of factors. You should consult an experienced bed bug lawyer in Maryland if you believe that your landlord or other parties could be at fault for your bed bug infestation. In Maryland, apartment units must be free of bed bugs (and other household pests) when the tenant moves into the unit. If a landlord fails to exterminate or disclose an infestation, he or she may be liable for resulting tenant injuries. Similar rules are applicable to hotels and motels.
Maryland Bed Bug Injury Claim Attorneys
No one should be forced to bear the consequences of another person’s negligence – especially not when those consequences include physical injury, financial harm, and emotional distress. If you are dealing with a bed bug infestation and believe that your landlord, exterminator, or others are to blame, ask our attorneys about how we can help. You may have reason to file a personal injury claim, depending on how the infestation happened. To set up a free legal consultation, contact our law offices online, or call Whitney, LLP at (410) 583-8000 today.