Bedbugs + Ritz-Carlton = One Worried Hotel

Bedbugs don't discriminate -- though at $695 a night, you'd hope they did.

The New York incarnation of the Ritz-Carlton has bedbugs. Lots of them, too. A pest elimination company has been called in to treat rooms, and workers have been trained on how to identify the pesky bloodsuckers.

But one room attendant is still scared -- what if she brought them home? What are you supposed to do when there are bedbugs at work?

You may think this is a silly question, but it's not. If the Ritz-Carlton has bedbugs, your workplace may get them too. In fact, they've showed up in office buildings, movie theatres and clothing stores. They've even been found in schools.

They attach onto clothing, toys, luggage -- anything with fabric. They follow the cleanest of people home and to work.

The Ritz-Carlton has offered to send an inspection company to the woman's home, according to the New York Times. It hasn't happened yet, but the company seems to be taking responsibility.

What if yours won't?

It may be tough to get your employer to pay for a home inspection, but it's not impossible. If there is a known case of bedbugs at work, your employer needs to do its best to eradicate the problem. It also needs to notify employees immediately so that all precautions can be taken.

If your employer fails to do either of these things, you probably have a case. But if you pick up bedbugs at work and no one knew about them, you may be out of luck. It all comes down to negligence.

But until you start waking up with itchy bites, you probably shouldn't worry. The Ritz-Carlton has bedbugs, not you.

Related Resources:

• Bedbug Was Discovered At The Ritz-Carlton In New York (Business Insider)
• How to Sue a Hotel for Bed Bugs (FindLaw's Injured)
• Bed Bug Class Action Suit Filed by 300 Tenants (FindLaw's Injured)