Sources of Mold, Costs of Mold Remediation and Problems with Mold Exposure
Toxic mold exposure can be very harmful to individuals occupying a home or apartment. In many cases, the mold is a product of water intrusion into the home due to construction or design defects. In some unforeseen conditions, toxic mold can come from burst water pipes or damage caused by a storm. The moisture that follows these scenarios frequently cause the growth of toxic mold and create a need for mold remediation, which can be very costly.
Even though insurance companies often claim they are not responsible for the mold remediation costs, your homeowner’s insurance company or renters’ insurance may be responsible to cover these mold remediation expenses, including the clean up of physical damage to the home and any resulting mold problems. Often times, it may also be necessary to seek additional damages for personal injuries resulting from mold exposure related illnesses or aggravation of an existing illness from toxic mold. Many homeowners’ insurance policies actually do cover mold damage and mold remediation costs, despite the insurance company’s claims for exclusions. If mold growth or mold exposure is created by a covered loss under your homeowners’ insurance policy, your insurance company should be responsible for the costs of mold remediation, which can be substantial. If your insurance company ignores your claim or delays processing your claim causing additional damage, in some jurisdictions your insurance company will be liable for additional damages under the law of “bad faith.”
Harmful Side Effects of Mold | Symptoms of Mold Exposure
- Nasal congestion and irritation
- Eye irritation, or wheezing
- Coughing
- Breathing Impediment
- Headaches & Fevers
- Memory Loss
Most Common Forms of Toxic Mold
- Stachybotrys
- Aspergillus
- Penicillum
The incidence of toxic mold exposure has significantly increased, especially with the recent tropical storms and hurricanes in Florida. Due to the rain, flood, and wind damage caused by these tropical storms and hurricanes, many people are unknowingly being exposed to toxic mold in their home, work place and elsewhere as a result of a variety of factors, including defective construction, lack of regular maintenance, shoddy and inappropriate building materials and lack of government regulation and involvement. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a mold resource page containing information about the risks associated with toxic mold and mildew.
Serious Effects of Mold Exposure | How to Recover for Mold Exposure
Many of the effects of toxic mold exposure can be quite serious and often victims are not aware that the medical problems they have experienced are directly related to toxic mold exposure. A plaintiff who proves that he or she was exposed to toxic mold due to the negligence of another person or company is entitled to compensation for all the following consequences related to the exposure, including:
- Abatement and remediation of the toxic mold
- Replacement cost of personal property and contents of home
- The cost of past and future medical care
- The cost of any necessary rehabilitation
- The loss of past and future wages
- Pain and suffering associated with the toxic mold exposure
Legal Help for Toxic Mold Victims
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury from mold exposure, one of our mold attorneys will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation to you. The experienced mold lawyers at Gilman Law LLP have been litigating personal injury and property damage claims for over 40 years. Our experienced team of mold exposure attorneys will provide you with a Free Consultation to assess your potential claim and help get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with our mold lawyers, call our office Toll Free at (888) 252-0048 or complete the Free Consultation Form online.