Suing for Toxic Mold
Authored by Gabrielle Hollingsworth, LegalMatch Legal Writer and Attorney at LawLocate a Local Personal Injury Lawyer
What Is Toxic Mold?
Molds are regularly present in the air that we breathe. Some molds can be beneficial, and most molds are harmless. However, some molds can cause serious health problems if they are left to grow inside your home or ventilation system. One such type is stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold. Mold tends to grow in areas that are consistently moist. If mold is growing in your home, school, or place of work you may have a cause of action for damage to the structure or for resulting health complications.
What Symptoms Can Toxic Mold Cause?
If you have mold in your home, you might experience upper respiratory symptoms. Your symptoms may feel a bit like allergies, and people with asthma and allergies can be more sensitive to mold in their environment. Symptoms may include:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Eye irritation
- Skin irritation
- Sneezing, runny nose, or post-nasal drip
Who Can Bring a Toxic Mold Lawsuit?
There are several groups of people who have standing to sue for toxic mold injuries:
- Tenants - The most common group of individuals bringing toxic mold suits are those who lease their homes. This group suffers the highest percentage of health problems related to toxic mold primarily because the buildings they live in are typically older, built with materials prone to deterioration and poorly constructed and maintained. Tenants can bring suits against landlords, building managers, or ownership companies for health problems caused by toxic mold.
- Homeowners - Homeowners are the second largest group of people bringing toxic mold suits. Toxic mold problems in homes are usually the result of poor construction or the failure of a toxic mold inspector to identify a toxic mold problem. Homeowners can bring suits against the builders of their homes, inspectors, real estate brokers or anyone else who may have caused toxic mold problems.
- Parents - Parents of children injured by toxic mold can sue on their behalf. Children might be exposed to toxic mold at school, at camps or at other facilities. Parents can sue schools, camps or any other place that causes their children to be exposed to toxic mold.
- Employees - Employees can sue their employers for unhealthy work conditions. If an employer allows toxic mold to grow in the workplace, injured employees can sue the employer for damages.
- Government - Government agencies can also bring lawsuits against contractors or inspectors for toxic mold injuries that government employees suffer.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Sue for Toxic Mold Injuries?
Determining whether you have standing to sue for toxic mold injuries can be difficult. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and privileges. A personal injury lawyer can also represent you in court and file any necessary paperwork.
Consult a Lawyer - Present Your Case Now!
Last Modified: 04-24-2017 11:42 PM PDT
Link to this page
