Iowa Bed Bug Lawsuit Granted Class Action Status

A judge has certified class action status for a lawsuit filed on behalf of 300 current and former residents of two Des Moines apartment complexes over a bed bug problem.

The Des Moines Register reports that Thursday’s ruling is expected to spur new settlement talks.

The lawsuit was filed in March 2010 lawsuit in Polk County against Elsie Mason Manor and Ligutti Towers, which serve elderly and disabled residents.

The lawsuit alleges that managers knew about the infestation for more than two years but refused to warn tenants or properly treat it until they were sued.

American Baptist Homes of the Midwest manages the building. Its president, Dave Zwickey, has said the organization intends to settle with residents once court proceedings sort out who is owed money and how much.