San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog
Everyone likes to believe that his or her home is the safest place, but many people unknowingly live in mold-infested environments that are far from safe. While not all mold poses a threat to your health, toxic mold can result in neurological damage, and at worst, death. If you have been harmed by living in an apartment in San Francisco that is infested with toxic mold, you have the right to sue your landlord for compensation. Contact an experienced toxic mold lawyer today to learn more about your rights and your options for recourse.
What is Toxic Mold?
Toxic mold refers to a specific type of mold that releases mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys, that can pose serious health risk to humans and animals. It is also known as “black mold” or Stachybotrys, after the scientific term for a specific type of toxin released in toxic mold.
Signs of Toxic Mold
The most common areas in your home where toxic mold may be found are in small spaces that have high levels of humidity, such as in the kitchen or bathroom, previously flooded areas, and areas with poor ventilation. Densely packed storage areas and areas with plumbing leaks can also cause toxic mold, so make sure to clear out any densely cramped storage areas often and regularly check on areas that previously had plumbing leaks or flooding.
Symptoms of Toxic Mold Exposure
Symptoms of exposure to toxic mold vary from minor allergic reactions to serious neurological damage. Below is a list of common symptoms of toxic mold exposure:
- Coughing or breathing problems
- Runny nose
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Migraines and headaches
- Skin rashes
- Fatigue or lethargy
If you believe there is toxic mold in your San Francisco home and you experience any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor and call an experienced San Francisco toxic mold lawyer immediately.
San Francisco Toxic Mold Laws
While federal law regulates the disclosure and prevention of lead paint, it makes no mention of toxic mold. California law requires landlords to disclose the presence of toxic mold in a residence building, when the level of mold exceeds a safe level, to tenants but does not provide any rules or guidelines for preventing or clearing out toxic mold.
In San Francisco, however, mold is considered a “public health nuisance,” much like a pile of trash or a rodent infestation. This means that tenants are able to sue their landlords for failure to remove any known mold located anywhere inside the building in which the tenant resides.
What to do if You Have Been Harmed by Toxic Mold
If you believe you have been harmed by the presence of toxic mold in your building, contact an experienced toxic mold lawyer in San Francisco today to learn how you can be compensated for your injuries. The attorneys at Brod Law Firm have helped numerous San Francisco tenants obtain full recovery for their injuries from living in a home with high amounts of toxic mold. Contact us today at (800) 427-7020 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation.
(image courtesy of Scott Webb)