Toxic Mold Injuries
Toxic mold can occur in either the home or the workplace and can cause serious health risks, even death. Toxic mold often grows in warm, damp environments and can sometimes be odorless and undetectable.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Although anybody can be at risk there are some people who should be especially cautious. Infants and the elderly have immune systems that are not working at their peak capacity, therefore are more susceptible to the effects of mold. Furthermore, people suffering from other illnesses or who simply have a weak immune system have to be extra careful when around mold or even handling mold.
How Does Mold Effect the Body?
Mold can be dangerous in a variety of ways. First and foremost, mold spores can travel through the air and become inhaled by people in close proximity. This often causes direct contact with the inside of the body before the immune system has a chance to destroy the invasive spore.
Another way is direct contact with the skin. The contact itself can cause problems, but also when that skin comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, etc and thus introduces the spores to the inside of the body.
However the mold happens to come in contact with you, there are a few common reactions that occur. The first of which is allergic.
Allergic reactions are caused my the immune system springing into action to defend the body against potentially hazardous materials. The body often experiences itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and a host of other fairly common reactions.
Unfortunately, mold can cause invasive disease as well as the more benign allergic reaction. These are more serious disorders that occur more frequently in those individuals who are at immuno-risk.
Examples of Toxic Mold Legal Cases
• The Delaware Supreme Court upheld a $1.04 million award to two women whose landlord failed to address leaks and mold problems in their apartments, resulting in asthma attacks and other health problems. New Haverford Partnership v. Stroot, 2001 Del. Lexis 201 (May 7, 2001).
• $32-million award to a Dripping Spring, Texas, family after the jury concluded that a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance Group mishandled the family’s claim. The Austin American-Statesman noted that the June 1 award is one of the first in the nation to order an insurance company to pay damages to the homeowner in a toxic mold case.
• On October 30, 2006, a Maryland toxic mold lawsuit filed in St. Mary’s County resulted in a verdict of $270,000. The claim was filed against a landlord by individuals who were injured by mold in the home they rented.
Are You Or A Loved One A Victim?
Homes and workplaces should be inspected on a regular basis for toxic mold. If you or a loved one feel that you have suffered illness due to exposure to toxic mold, consult with a doctor immediately. Also consult with an attorney in order to understand what legal rights that you may have related to the exposure and illness.
We Can Help:
Fill out our online consultation form or call 1-800-603-6833 to see what your legal rights are. All consultations are free of charge and will be answered as soon as possible.
