Toxic mold is a musty-smelling fungal growth that is usually visible (it is usually greenish-black, but it can also be white, black, gray, green, or brown, and it can be velvety, cottony, leathery, or rough). A serious toxic mold can result in large medical bills, long-term health consequences, and missed wages. You should do the following things if you think you have been affected by mold.
Take Pictures and Video
Ideally, you should quickly film and photograph any property damage, water damage, or anything else that you suspect is the source of the problem (the video and your pictures can be used later as evidence). It is acceptable if you do not have a video camera. Take photos of the outdoor environment as well, noting potential moisture and water damage sources.
Having said that, you need to leave the moldy house. Some people find it difficult to recover from toxic mold exposure if they continue to live in a water-damaged home. Mold spores can enter the body through the nasal cavity and lungs, making it more difficult for the body to rid itself of the offending agent.
Have the Property Tested
Engage the services of a reputable testing firm to determine the type and level of mold on your property. Depending on where the mold is (for example, at your job or office), you may need to visit an industrial hygienist or microbiologist (according to OSHA, industrial hygienists use environmental monitoring and analytical methods to detect the extent of worker exposure to mold and employ work practice controls, engineering, and other methods to control potential health hazards).
Keep Receipts
Landlords are expected by law to provide suitable living conditions for their tenants free of safety and health dangers, which is known as an “implied assurance of habitability.” The habitability requirement is often defined as the minimum necessary by your local jurisdiction’s construction code, which addresses tenants’ safety and health concerns. While small issues like dripping faucets are not deemed critical to habitability, poisonous mold is.
So, if the contract stipulates that the landlord is responsible for swiftly repairing all plumbing problems, failure to repair the problem may result in a breach of contract case if the plumbing issue leads to mold exposure. Ensure to give written notice to the landlord, property management, or other responsible parties and preserve good records of any written discussions with them.
Get Medical Help Immediately
If you become unwell as a result of being exposed to poisonous mold, visit a doctor immediately. If possible, see a doctor familiar with mold injuries, such as a pulmonologist, allergist, or toxicologist. Also, make copies of any medical records pertaining to your exam and treatment.
Consider Meeting with a Mold Litigation Attorney
You may need to sue your landlord if you believe you have incurred damage due to mold exposure. Work with a Los Angeles toxic mold law firm to discover more about your legal rights and mold exposure Legal case.
At Albert Abkarian & Associates APLC, the goal of our Los Angeles mold exposure attorneys is to help our clients get the maximum amount of compensation for their mold injuries. Contact us today for more information about our Los Angeles mold exposure attorneys and how they can help your case.
(416) 315-1505