Mold itself is not a construction defect, but it is often caused by one.
In many homes, mold starts to grow because of hidden water damage. A common example is a slow plumbing leak inside the walls or under the foundation. If the foundation was not laid correctly or the pipes were poorly installed, moisture can build up over time.
That constant moisture creates the perfect environment for dangerous mold to grow.
If a construction defect is the cause, the builder or contractor may be responsible for the cost of mold removal and repairs. However, it is important to act quickly. These types of claims usually need to be filed soon after the problem is discovered. Waiting too long could affect your ability to recover damages.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that insurance may not cover all, or even any, of the expenses. This is why it is important to hold the responsible parties accountable.
If someone in your home has become sick due to mold exposure, and the mold is linked to a construction problem, you may have both a home defect claim and a personal injury claim.
Proving this on your own can be tough, but with the support of a mold exposure attorney, you do not have to go through it alone. At The Lyon Firm, we know what to look for and how to take action. If you suspect mold in your home is due to poor construction, call us today at (513) 381-2333 or fill out our quick online form. We offer free consultations and can help you understand your legal options.
“The Lyon Firm truly cares for its clients. From the first call to the last settlement check, they are a dependable law firm every step of the way. Joe and John are responsive and great to work with. Thank you.”
– Mitch T. | Client
Identifying Mold: What Every Homeowner Should Know
You might suspect mold is growing in your home, but you aren’t sure how to find it. Mold needs moisture to grow, so it’s often found in damp places. While some types of mold are harmless, toxic mold can be a serious health risk.
Here’s what you should look for:
- A Musty, Earthy Smell: This is often the first clue. If you notice a damp, unpleasant odor, even if you can’t see the mold, it’s a good sign that it’s present somewhere.
- Visible Mold Growth: Mold can appear as fuzzy, slimy, or discolored patches. It can be black, green, gray, white, or even pink. You might spot it on walls, ceilings, floors, or around windows.
- Water Stains or Damage: Look for areas where water might have leaked. This includes water stains on ceilings, bubbling paint on walls, or warping in wood floors. These are signs of a moisture problem that could be feeding mold.
While mold can take root in various spots in your household, the most common places to find mold are:
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Areas around pipes, vents, or air conditioning units
It can also grow on many different materials, including:
- Drywall
- Wood
- Carpet
- Wallpaper
- Pipes
- Ceiling tiles
- Upholstery
If you see signs of mold, don’t wait. Some toxic molds can start affecting your health in as little as 24 to 48 hours, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Mold exposure is not something to ignore, and acting quickly can protect your health, your home, and your legal rights. A toxic mold attorney can help determine if someone else’s negligence is to blame and what steps you can take next.
ABOUT THE LYON FIRM
Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.
The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN
The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.
Understanding Symptoms of Black Mold and Toxic Mold Exposure
Toxic mold in American homes is more prevalent than previously thought. The Mayo Clinic has concluded that in more than 95% of American patients suffering from chronic sinus disease, a reaction to mold is the primary culprit.
Exposure to toxic mold can lead to various health problems. The effects can be different for everyone, but some common symptoms can signal that mold is affecting your health. Understanding these signs is the first step toward getting the help you need.
Symptoms of mold sickness and related illnesses can include:
- Allergic reactions: Sneezing, runny nose, bloody nose, watery eyes, and a dry cough.
- Respiratory issues: Wheezing, difficulty breathing, or a sore throat. People with asthma or other breathing conditions may find their symptoms get much worse.
- Skin problems: Rashes, hives, or irritated skin.
- Neurological symptoms: Headaches, memory loss, and a feeling of “brain fog.”
- General discomfort: Aches and pains, chronic fatigue, or mood changes.
If you or a family member is experiencing these symptoms, especially if they seem to get worse when you’re at home, it could be related to mold exposure.
How Fast Can Mold Make You Sick?
Mold exposure affects everyone differently. Some people may notice symptoms within hours, especially if they are allergic or sensitive to mold. For others, it might take days, weeks, or even months before they realize something is wrong.
The timing and severity of symptoms can depend on a few key factors:
- Type of mold: Some molds are much more toxic than others.
- Level of exposure: Being around a high concentration of mold or living with it for a long time can cause more serious health issues.
- Your overall health: People with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems tend to react faster and more severely.
Even if it took time for your symptoms to show up, you may still have a strong case. What matters most is being able to trace those health problems back to the mold exposure.
Our team can help you do that. If you think mold is making you or your family sick, reach out today online or by calling (513) 381-2333. A mold exposure lawyer at The Lyon Firm can review your situation and help you take the right steps toward holding the responsible party accountable.
A Mold Exposure Lawyer Fights for Tenants’ Rights
Mold is not just a problem for homeowners dealing with poor construction. Tenants are just as likely to face serious mold issues, especially when landlords fail to maintain safe and healthy living conditions.
If you are renting and find mold in your apartment, you may have legal rights. Landlords are required by law to provide a livable space.
That means they must take care of dangerous issues, like mold caused by leaks, water damage, or other problems they should have fixed.
Your landlord may be legally responsible for your health issues or property damage if they:
- Knew there was a moisture or mold problem and ignored it
- Failed to make needed repairs that led to the mold
- Did not tell you about a known mold issue before you moved in
If you’re dealing with this situation, it’s important to act quickly and protect yourself. Start by documenting everything. Take clear photos of the mold. Save all texts, emails, and letters with your landlord. Keep a written log of your symptoms and medical visits.
We Can Help You File a Mold Exposure Lawsuit
Many building and water damage issues are the result of carelessness and cost-cutting. Low-cost contractors may be unprofessional and may hide defects or mistakes. Many home defects will inevitably fall outside of a home warranty or insurance policy. Faulty construction is often excluded from homeowners’ policies.
If toxic mold has harmed your health or damaged your home, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover your losses. Toxic mold claims often fall under areas like premises liability or consumer fraud, depending on the situation.
Here are legal grounds that may qualify you for a mold-related lawsuit:
- Landlord negligence: Your landlord failed to keep the property safe and did not fix a known moisture or mold problem.
- Construction defects: Mold started growing due to poor construction, such as a leaky roof, faulty plumbing, or poor ventilation.
- Failure to disclose: A previous homeowner, property manager, or landlord knew about mold but did not tell you before you moved in.
How a Toxic Mold Lawyer Proves Exposure
Building a successful mold case means doing more than just showing that mold is present. We must also prove that the exposure caused your health issues and that someone else is responsible for allowing the problem to happen in the first place. This process can be complex, but it is where our experience makes a real difference.
When you work with The Lyon Firm, we take a thorough and strategic approach. Our investigation may include:
- Professional mold testing: We bring in qualified environmental experts to test the air and surfaces in your home. These tests confirm the presence, type, and concentration of mold.
- Medical documentation: A mold exposure attorney from our firm will consult medical professionals to connect your symptoms directly to mold exposure. This may involve reviewing your medical history, lab results, and bringing in doctors who can explain how mold has impacted your health.
- Detailed evidence: We help you collect everything from photos of the mold to emails and messages with your landlord, property manager, or builder. We also gather records of any repairs you made, time missed from work, or other financial losses.
- We get insight from professionals: Construction and engineering experts can pinpoint the root cause of the mold, whether it was a leaky roof, bad plumbing, or poor building materials. Their testimony helps prove negligence or a clear construction defect.
The more clearly we can show what happened and how it affected you, the stronger your case will be.
While every case is unique, research shows that having legal representation significantly increases your chances of getting compensated for your injuries.
In a nationwide study by Martindale-Nolo, more than 90% of people who hired a personal injury lawyer received a settlement or award. Compare that to just about half of those who tried to handle their case alone. Even more striking, those with lawyers received an average of $77,600, while those without only recovered about $17,600 on average.
Why Are These Cases Important?
Toxic exposure cases help empower individuals to fight for their right to be protected, satisfactorily informed, and to stay safe. They also bring awareness to challenge and raise the expectations of companies, landlords, or home builders that are endangering the public.
A Mold Exposure Attorney at The Lyon Firm Will Go the Extra Mile for You
Toxic mold is more than a nuisance. It can put your health, your home, and your future at risk. Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with construction defects or a tenant facing a negligent landlord, you, as a human being, have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment.
With nearly two decades of experience handling complex personal injury and toxic exposure cases, we understand what it takes to build a strong case. Our team has represented thousands of clients across the country and has gone up against some of the largest corporations, landlords, and insurance companies on behalf of everyday people.
Call (513) 381-2333 or fill out our online form for a 100% free case review today.