Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow anywhere in your home where there is moisture or a high level of humidity. Exposure to mold can cause respiratory ailments such as respiratory infections, asthma, permanent lung damage, allergies, headaches, rashes, and a compromised immune system. A burst pipe in the walls or a leak in an apartment next door could cause mold to grow in the walls or on your carpet. Mold may also be present in the ventilation system anywhere in the building and spread to your home or apartment through the ductwork.

Since the presence of mold may not always be visible, be alert for the following unexplained symptoms, which may be signs of mold exposure:

• Sinus congestion
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

If you are renting an apartment and have found signs of mold, report this condition to your landlord. Sometimes mold can be cleaned up by the renter; other times professional help may need to be called in, and the work required to remediate mold may be extensive. Contact an attorney if you are unsure about your responsibility versus the landlord’s liability for removing the mold, paying for property damage, and covering medical expenses.

What About Homeowners?

If you are a homeowner who has discovered mold, you may have a claim under your homeowner’s policy or title insurance. Be wary of an insurance company that appears too eager to settle your mold claim. They know how expensive it can be to remediate a mold problem and how harmful to your health and your children toxic exposure can be. They may try to settle quickly and obtain a release from liability before you have a chance to talk to an attorney and fully appreciate the nature of your claim. An insurance company which knowingly makes an unreasonably low offer or otherwise tries to avoid paying a valid claim may be guilty of insurance bad faith and may have to be taken to court to answer for its behavior.

New York Mold Remediation Lawyer

New York City attorney Leandros A. Vrionedes helps people who have been injured by toxic exposure to mold, lead-based paint, or other toxins in the environment. If your landlord is storing chemicals in the basement, using toxic carpet adhesive or defective drywall, not repairing leaks or providing inadequate ventilation, and this is making you sick, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. to see what can be done to protect your family’s health and force your landlord to act responsibly.