California Mold Exposure at Home
Molds which develop inside buildings can be harmful to one's health, and damage and/or destroy the structure of the building and/or its contents (i.e., personal belongings). Attorneys at Miller Law, Inc. have been pioneers in the representation of plaintiffs in toxic mold cases. Contact the firm to schedule a free consultation.
The context in which legal representation for toxic mold exposure can arise includes landlord-tenant cases; cases involving the construction of new homes and commercial structures; real estate purchase/non-disclosure cases involving realtors, home inspectors and pest inspectors; and insurance bad faith lawsuits.
Many experts have confirmed the fact that toxic mold is harmful to humans. Stachybotrys (or "black mold") is an especially dangerous type of mold that causes a broad range of health problems. Exposure to black mold can cause prolonged cold and flu-like symptoms, headaches, skin rashes, bloody noses, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, chest pain, allergies, joint pains, liver disorders and lung damage. It poses serious health risks to those exposed. Exposure to other types of mold, including aspergillus and penicillium, can also cause severe Type I or Type II allergies.
If you have become ill due to toxic mold exposure, or have experienced property damage from mold, a lawyer can help you discuss possible solutions to your situation. A lawyer can be invaluable in helping you take legal action, holding landlords, contractors, builders, real estate sellers or other entities responsible for your injuries and damages.
Lawyers at Miller Law, Inc. are dedicated to serving as effective advocates for Californians suffering from toxic mold exposure. At our central California law offices, we represent a broad range of individuals, including adults, children and the elderly.
We are recognized for our success in bringing toxic mold cases on behalf of individuals who were injured or damaged by toxic mold. One particularly notable outcome includes a November 2001 jury verdict of $2.7 million for a family of three living in a mold-contaminated apartment. This was the largest jury verdict in United States history in a case involving personal injuries from toxic mold. In 2010 Miller Law, Inc. obtained an arbitration award valued in excess of $5 Million on behalf of individuals who had purchased condominiums with undisclosed water and mold damage.
Lawyers of Miller Law, Inc. have developed a reputation as some of the finest and most well respected in dealing with toxic mold.
Attorneys at Miller Law, Inc. have had extensive experience in representing injured and damaged plaintiffs in toxic mold cases in numerous settings, including schools, homes, apartments and commercial buildings. This representation has occurred in a number of contexts and has involved representation of one individual to representation of hundreds of plaintiffs in a single lawsuit.
Testing for Mold
Mold needs moisture to grow and spread. Such moisture typically comes from defective construction, maintenance and/or repair such as plumbing leaks, window leaks, roof leaks, stucco leaks and drainage and grading problems. Mold can develop on water damaged building materials in as few as 48 hours.
There are two primary ways to test for molds in your home, school, place of business or job: (1) air testing and (2) bulk testing. Air testing by the "viable test method" involves taking air samples by drawing air using a pump and in a petri dish. The mold sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. If, after a certain period of time, mold grows on the petri dish, mold is present in the home. Bulk sampling can involve many different tests. Often, mold-laden drywall is removed and placed into a sealed container for analysis in a laboratory.
Cleaning Mold from Building Structures and Materials
Mold remediation — the process of cleaning mold from buildings and materials — is a complex and expensive process. The source of water leading to mold growth must be stopped. The extent of mold damage must be determined, and the area contained.
Typically, the scope of the remediation necessary to the structure of a home or other building is accomplished by mold testing in the affected building. Thereafter, a "mold remediation protocol" is prepared based on the results of this testing.
Under a typical "mold remediation protocol", the impacted area will be "contained" using clear plastic to create a room within which to work. Cleaners wearing Tyvek suits, respirators and goggles will then enter the area infested with toxic mold. They will remove the water-damaged materials and place the debris in sealed containers. They remove any remaining mold growth. Once this process is completed, the "contained" area is tested again to make sure it was properly cleaned or "remediated." If so, the containment is removed and the affected area rebuilt.
Proper mold remediation calls for removal of the mold-laden building materials, not merely cleaning with bleach, painting over the mold, or use of encapsulants. Accordingly, it can be very expensive. However, the builders or sellers of the property may be held accountable for such costs. Renters living in apartments infested by toxic mold have recourse too.
Molds can also contaminate your personal property or belongings. If the contamination is significant, your belongings may need to be thrown away. Occasionally, personal property can be cleaned. However, special cleaning procedures are often needed.
Attorneys at Miller Law, Inc. have obtained millions of dollars in judgments and settlements for their clients in toxic mold cases. Included in judgments obtained was the November 2001 jury verdict in the case entitled Mazza v. Schurtz. In that case, attorneys at Miller Law, Inc. obtained the largest jury verdict in United States history in a personal injury toxic mold case, totaling $2.7 million for a family of three injured by mold while living in an apartment.
Contact Us
If you have been exposed to toxic mold in your home or apartment building, contact Miller Law, Inc. to discuss your legal concerns. We can be reached toll free at 888-353-0285 or by contacting us online. Initial consultations are free and confidential. Our Sacramento area office represents people throughout the state.
