When you make the decision to stay at a hotel, you expect to be safe within that space. After staying there and learning that the location had bed bugs, you may be unsure what steps to take to protect yourself. However, there are several things you can do right now to protect yourself from financial loss associated with this accident.
Keep the following steps in mind if you contract bed bugs after visiting a Philadelphia hotel. Then, contact our Philadelphia premises liability lawyer at Kwartler Manus for a free consultation to discuss the legal rights you have in these situations.
Move Immediately from the Dangerous Environment
The first and most important step to take is to protect your safety. Remove yourself from the infested hotel room. You do not want to encourage further exposure. Make sure that you take the necessary steps to cleanse yourself and your belongings before getting into your car or going to your home. You may be able to turn to a local urgent care for help if you or your child has a reaction to the bites. Always prioritize your health and well-being.
Document Everything You Can
The next step can prove to be critical in proving your rights. Take photos of everything you see and experience as a result of the exposure. For example, take photos of:
- The bedding or areas where you found the bed bugs
- Dark spots, which could include tiny drops of blood
- Evidence of damage to you, such as bite marks or areas of irritation to the skin
- Additional photos of the space, including other areas of the room you found them, such as in drapery, carpeting, beds, couches, or other areas
Take a video of the surrounding area, creating a clear view of the layout of the room to indicate where the bed bugs were and what your exposure was. Make sure you document all bites on your own skin and that of others. And, be sure to note any dark spots on the bedding. This becomes evidence of your hazardous exposure.
Notify Management of What Occurred
If you have yet to do so, contact the Philadelphia hotel’s management to report what occurred. You can do this at checkout as a starting point. Be sure to get the names of the people on duty, as well as the hotel manager in general. Document what occurred and make sure that a formal complaint is entered into the system.
Upon arrival home, continue pursuing documentation of this claim. That may include emailing or mailing the regional manager of the hotel chain or following up with the owner about the claim. An incident report allows you to have evidence of what occurred that you can then use to build your claim later.
Protect Yourself from Concerns
Various losses may occur at this point, depending on your health and that of others in your group. Keep a journal and document all of the following:
- The costs paid to move rooms for additional nights
- Costs associated with thrown out clothing and belongings damaged by the bed bug infestation
- Laundering costs and other cleaning you must do to your clothing, belongings, including suitcases, and your vehicle
- Costs associated with medical bills for any medical care received related to the incident
- Any costs associated with adjustments to your planned stay due to the bed bug infestation, such as missing events or activities
This information helps you to get the care you need right away. Do not be afraid to go to the ER if someone in your group is suffering a medical emergency. Be sure to follow up with your doctor at home as well, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
These losses can add up quickly. When a property owner rents a room, they are providing you with a safe place to spend the night. If they do not do so, and you suffer medical, emotional, and financial losses, that party owes you compensation. Getting that compensation can be challenging. That is why hiring an experienced personal injury attorney in Philadelphia becomes critical to your case.
Your attorney will help you with:
- Determining if there are any gaps in your evidence and finding collaborating information as needed
- Documenting all of the losses you suffered in the accident
- Filing a claim for your losses against the hotel’s liability insurance and negotiating with the insurance company for claims
- Seeking a lawsuit in a court of law if necessary to do so, and if the claim is within the two-year statute of limitations in Pennsylvania
- Seeking fair compensation for you while protecting your privacy and your rights throughout the process
Do not wait to get legal guidance. You deserve support in these challenging situations.
Contact Our Philadelphia Bed Bug Lawyer
By taking these steps after contracting bed bugs from a Philadelphia hotel, you protect yourself from financial losses. At Kwartler Manus, our long-term experience helping victims in the Philadelphia area to hold others accountable makes all the difference. Call our office to schedule a free consultation today.