Top Los Altos, CA Mold Lawyers Near You

What Is Toxic Mold?

There are many different types of mold, but some varieties of mold can cause severe health problems, including respiratory infections, sinus infections, and deadly allergic reactions. Toxic mold can grow out of sight and continue to cause health issues for months or even years. Symptoms of possible black mold exposure can include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Headaches
• Asthma
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest

Does Your Landlord Have to Keep Your Apartment Free of Mold?

It is ultimately the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that their tenants live in habitable and healthy spaces. Although landlords can’t do much about untidy or messy tenants, they are responsible for cleaning up any mold that forms on walls or fixtures. Landlords are also responsible for fixing any leaks or faulty appliances that caused the mold problem in the first place.

What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Toxic Mold Lawyer?

Renters often face toxic mold issues when a landlord does not properly maintain the rental property. Many sources of black mold come from places with water damage or leaks that property owners do not fix. Situations where you might want to talk to a toxic mold lawyer include:

• Leaks and water damage around doors and windows
• Leaking pipes leave standing water
• Leaking air conditioning systems
• Roof damage or damage around chimneys
• Moist areas of basements or crawl spaces

Toxic mold exposure can also come from nearby factories or industrial sites, where corporations don’t properly clean up any mold growth. You do not need to be a renter to sue for toxic mold exposure.

How Can a Mold Lawyer Help Me?

Property owners can be liable for injuries to renters caused by toxic mold exposure. A toxic mold lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options. Your lawyer can file a toxic mold lawsuit to help you recover damages for your injuries and negotiate with the defense on your behalf. They know what medical evidence is necessary to build a strong case. Possible compensation in a toxic mold lawsuit can include:

• Medical bills
• Loss of income
• Future medical care
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Relocation expenses
• Required property repairs

How Much Money Can You Get for a Mold Lawsuit?

The amount of money you might be able to get in a mold lawsuit depends on the circumstances. In most small-claims court settlements, successful litigants can expect to receive anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 in damages concerning health or property loss.

This amount of money can increase if the mold in your residence leads to death or life-altering sickness, or if you can medically document a health-related job loss because of the mold problem. If landlords are specifically negligent in remediating the issue when it is first raised, tenants might be eligible for a larger settlement.

How Do You Win a Mold Lawsuit?

Documentation, such as photographic or video evidence that you timestamped and emailed to professionals, can be a good place to start. Any official reporting from a family physician, property restoration company, or local governmental agent or health inspector can also help win a mold lawsuit. You will need documentation of all correspondence with the landlord, especially regarding the mold in the apartment.

Beyond the compilation of evidence to back your claims in court, it’s essential to consult an experienced toxic mold lawyer. With the evidence in hand and a capable legal team beside you, your odds of winning a mold lawsuit are usually better.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Mold Lawsuits in California?

Mold lawsuits are generally covered by personal injury tort law, most of which are subject to a state-enacted statute of limitations. For example, California holds a two-year statute of limitations regarding mold lawsuits. Many defense lawyers representing the landlord will claim that the first arrival of any symptoms could constitute that start date. Most states work within a 1-to-3-year statute of limitations.

With this in mind, it is important to take mold seriously and consult a lawyer in California as soon as you see a problem.

What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Mold Lawyer?

If you don’t hire a toxic mold exposure lawyer, you may continue suffering adverse health effects. Mold won’t go away without proper cleaning, remediation, and repairs. Navigating the legal system on your own is tricky. Without a lawyer’s advice, you will likely make errors or miss crucial evidence if trying to file a lawsuit. The defense could easily argue that any mold growth and exposure is your own fault. This could leave you dealing with health problems like:

• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble sleeping
• Asthma
• Property damage

Are There Lawyers Handling Mold Lawsuits Near Me In Los Altos, CA?

Mold lawsuits are more common than you might think, especially related to rental accommodations throughout the United States. If you are looking for a lawyer to help you in a mold lawsuit in Los Altos, be sure to document all evidence before reaching out. You might want to take pictures of the affected area, document any health concerns discussed with a physician, and any correspondence with the landlord or professional mold remediators. A lawyer with experience in toxic mold law and tort mold law may be able to help you determine the best way to move forward.

What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Mold Lawyer in Los Altos?

These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many toxic mold lawyers offer free initial consultations that allow you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:

• What is your experience in handling toxic mold cases in California?
• Have you represented renters in mold exposure cases like mine?
• What are potential issues that can come up during toxic mold cases?
• How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
• What is the likely timeline for resolving my toxic mold case?

Tips for Hiring a Mold Lawyer

Take the time to find a toxic mold lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find a lawyer who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:

• Ask for recommendations
• Research lawyers online
• Schedule consultations
• Review experience and expertise
• Talk about fees and billing
• Trust your instincts