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Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

  • Jacqueline Cronkhite
  • May 17, 2018
  • 3 min read

Bed bugs. Creepy little things that disturb a good night's sleep. Although often associated with homeless communities and dirty living conditions, bed bugs are actually extremely prevalent across all socio-economic strata, especially in Arkansas. However, the social stigma associated with bed bugs often keeps the fact of infestation very "hush hush" - which, in turn, intensifies and spreads the problem. Below is a map of bed bug "hot spots" in America:

Bed Bugs Sightings - Nationwide Map

--TRAVEL WOES: BED BUGS IN HOTELS/MOTELS--

As you can see, Arkansas is in the heart of bed bug territory. Hotels and motels are hardest hit, regardless of pricing or star-rating. One of the most classic tales of bed bugs in high-end hotels is the recurring problem of bed bugs at the Waldorf-Astoria in NYC. Many lawsuits have been filed against the historic hotel, alleging everything from skin disorders to emotional distress (literally, "being driven mad" by the constant itching). I, myself, am more of a Howard Johnson/Motel 6 kind-of-girl, but to each her own. The Arkansas Department of Health regulates motels/hotels for cleanliness and visitor safety and requires "clean and fresh bed linens, unused by any other person or guest since the last laundering." The state regulations also require that hotel/motel bedding "be kept clean, free from dust, dirt and vermin." However, countless investigative reports have revealed that hotels are not following these guidelines, and often leave all or part of the bedding on the bed between guests. This leads to serious bed bug infestations. I have helped clients negotiate with hotels and motels across Arkansas in order to have their medical bills paid and receive compensation for pain & suffering, the replacement of infested personal property, and their inconvenience.



--HOSPITAL VISITORS WHO DON'T

BRING FLOWERS--

Another often-overlooked source of bed bug infestations are hospital beds. Hospitals have the very communal characteristics that foster bed bug infestations. Many hospitals are accredited and certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). When JCAHO is made aware of a bed bug infestation in one of its accredited hospitals, it explores and evaluates the hospital's preventative steps and the remedial process. The leadership of the hospital is responsible for controlling the spread of the infestation. Top executives could be on the hook if appropriate measures are not taken.


--BED BUGS & EVICTION--

No time to travel? Blessed with good health so never in the hospital? Even homebodies are subject to bed bug exposure. In fact, prior to the introduction of DDT (before its ban in 1972), it was estimated that 30-40% of American homes had bed bugs. Even today, it is estimated that bed bug pest control is a $572.3 million-dollar-a-year industry. If you are a renter, bed bugs may also plague your home, but unfortunately, in Arkansas, tenants have few rights when it comes to bed bug infestations. Arkansas is known nationally as one of the most "landlord-friendly" states, with few statutory protections for renters based on habitability and cleanliness of a rental unit. (Arkansas is also the only state to criminalize non-payment of rent, but that is a blog post for another time). People are often evicted for bed bug problems, even though the problem may have pre-existed the rental contract.


--CALL 479.782.3434 - ASK FOR JACKIE--

Have you suffered personal injury and/or personal property loss from a bed bug infestation? Do you want to know your rights? Call me at Sexton & Sanders Law Firm: We're Here for You!


*Want to read more about bed bug infestations and lawsuits based on those problems? Check out these articles:


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