Water damage can always lead to mold growing, and mold can cause serious harm to your health. As a result of the risk, you must be aware of how to spot signs of hidden mold when water enters your home or rental apartment.
If you identify mold in your space, be sure to get legal help and document both its presence and the damage done. Matthew de Lira APC will advocate for you and pursue a claim on your behalf for compensation for those responsible for the mold exposure if you’ve been harmed.
Contact our mold litigation lawyers in San Diego to schedule your free consultation and learn more, or read on to learn about clear signs of hidden mold you should be on the lookout for.
Visible mold
The most obvious sign of mold is visible growth of mold spores in areas where water damage occurred, such as ceilings and floors. Mold typically looks like fuzzy, slimy, or powdery patches on walls or floors, and it can grow in a circular pattern and spread.
Mold can be many different colors, including green, white, black, gray, red, or yellow. You should be watchful for any unusual discoloration on your walls.
A musty odor
Dampness and mold often create a musty odor in your home, even in situations where you can’t yet see visible mold growth.
This odor can’t be covered up easily, and when you notice it, you should find the source of the built-up moisture before mold growth accelerates and causes serious health issues or further property damage.
Peeling paint or wallpaper
Water can cause paint and wallpaper to lose their ability to adhere to the wall. If you spot wallpaper or peeling paint, there is a strong chance there is a moisture issue, and potentially mold, in the area where the problem is happening.
Warped floors, walls, or ceilings
Drywall, floor boards, and other surfaces can become warped as a result of water exposure. When the materials absorb water, this compromises their structural integrity and causes permanent damage to occur. Mold can also begin to form under the floors and ceilings as a result of this water intrusion.
Who is responsible for mold-related losses?
Identifying these hidden sources of mold after water damage can be very important because the sooner you take action to remediate mold, the easier it is to fix the problem. If the mold spreads, then you could suffer more property damage and more damage to your health.
Unfortunately, remediating mold and fixing the damage to your home can be expensive. And, if you’ve suffered medical problems because of the mold, you may be facing additional losses, including the cost of medical bills, income lost due to missed work, and even pain and suffering, and emotional distress damages.
In some cases, you can hold others accountable for these harms. For example, you may be able to take legal action against a landlord who failed to fix mold-related issues in your home, or against a property owner who sold you a home with water problems without disclosing the issues.
Contact a San Diego mold litigation lawyer today
Mold can damage your property and your health. It’s important you spot signs of it and take swift action if it is in your home.
When someone else is to blame, you should also contact a San Diego mold litigation lawyer at Matthew de Lira APC to get help taking appropriate legal action to get compensation for the damage done. Call our personal injury lawyers in San Diego, CA today to schedule your free consultation to find out how we can help.