Mold has very serious health risks. Exposure may cause you to develop lung issues, chronic asthma attacks, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, neurological issues, and chronic fatigue, among other problems.
If mold is in your home, you’ll want to do everything possible to fix the situation. If you own your own place, this could be as simple as getting a mold remediation expert to your property ASAP. However, things become more difficult if you are renting a property, or if you have a complicated situation, such as when a seller sold you a moldy home without disclosing it.
In these circumstances, fixes may not be in your control — and you may also be in a situation where someone else should be responsible for covering the costs, including those caused by resulting health issues. Matthew de Lira APC can help. Our experienced San Diego mold litigation attorneys will fight for your right to recover damages.
To find out more about how we can advocate for you, give us a call or contact us online today. You can also read on to learn about the key steps you need to take if there is mold in your home.
1. Photograph any physical evidence of the mold
Taking photos of any visible signs of the mold is essential so you can prove you have this dangerous substance in your property.
You can also take pictures of any indoor or outdoor conditions that resulted in the mold forming, such as areas of water damage or missing roof shingles that caused a leak.
2. Have a professional test the property
Next, you will want an environmental expert to come into your property to document the presence and type of mold. This step is important because different kinds of mold present different levels of risk.
Having documentation of the mold can also help you to show the extent of the problem, which helps you prove damages.
3. Formally report the mold to the landlord or former property owners
You should alert the landlord of the mold problem if you live in a rental property, or the former sellers of the home, if you believe that they were aware of the mold and failed to disclose it when they should have.
There is an implied warranty of habitability for California rental housing, and strict rules for when property owners must tell buyers about hazards that pose a material risk and that are not easily discovered.
Alerting those responsible for the issue could potentially help you get a resolution; but don’t agree to give up any of your rights or to settle any claims at this point.
4. Catalog any damages
If you’re hoping to be compensated for the harm that the mold caused, be sure to document the damages to your property and any other costs that you incur, such as:
- The costs of the mold expert who tested your property
- Moving expenses
- Hotel expenses if you had to leave home
- Property you are discarding due to mold damage
5. Get medical help and make sure your illnesses are documented
You must get medical help to treat any mold-related health complications that you are experiencing. You also want a record of the physical symptoms and any medical issues the mold has caused.
You should be compensated for healthcare costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress if you get sick because of mold exposure due to the negligence of a property owner or landlord; but you’ll need proof of your ailments from a qualified medical professional.
6. Contact an experienced San Diego mold litigation lawyer ASAP
Finally, you should contact an experienced San Diego mold litigation lawyer at Matthew de Lira APC.
Your San Diego personal injury attorney can help you identify defendants who could be liable for your losses and take legal actions so you can fight for full and fair compensation. Call today to schedule your free consultation to learn more.