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Importance of Getting a Mold Exposure Lawyer: Toxic Mold Legal Cases

Written by
ruxandra
June 17th, 2016

Toxic mold exposure is a significant health threat, particularly for Maryland tenants who face mold-related issues due to landlord neglect. Molds such as Stachybotrys can lead to severe respiratory and neurological health issues, making it crucial to know your legal rights. 

Consulting a mold exposure lawyer can be vital for securing fair compensation and addressing negligence effectively. In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know about toxic mold, recovery timelines, and case studies that illustrate the role of legal representation.

You'll also learn:

  • Health risks of toxic mold and common symptoms
  • How long recovery may take and reasons for legal action
  • Real-life examples of successful mold lawsuits
  • The critical role of a mold exposure lawyer in securing compensation

Let’s get started by explaining the dangers of toxic mold exposure.

Dangers of Toxic Mold Exposure

Toxic molds, like Stachybotrys and Aspergillus, release spores that are harmful to health, especially when inhaled over long periods. These molds thrive in moist environments and often develop out of sight, such as behind walls, in HVAC systems, or under carpets. 

Stachybotrys (also known as black mold), in particular, is known to produce mycotoxins that can cause both respiratory and neurological health issues. Let’s go over some specific health risks associated with toxic mold exposure: 

  • Respiratory problems: Inhaling mold spores can cause chronic coughing, sinus infections, asthma, and persistent wheezing. Long-term exposure may result in severe respiratory conditions, making it essential to act quickly.
  • Skin and eye irritation: Many exposed individuals experience red, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions, especially in cases of prolonged exposure.
  • Neurological effects: Exposure to certain toxic molds, including Stachybotrys, can cause neurological symptoms like headaches, memory issues, mood swings, and even depression.
  • Worsening of preexisting conditions: For individuals with asthma or allergies, mold exposure can significantly worsen symptoms, often leading to more severe and frequent episodes.
  • Chronic health complications: In some cases, prolonged exposure can lead to irreversible health issues.

Studies have shown that extended mold exposure may increase the risk of chronic respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly among young children and the elderly.

Because symptoms can mimic those of other illnesses, mold-related health problems often go undetected, leading to prolonged exposure and further complications.

Why Mold Exposure Often Goes Undetected

One reason toxic mold is so dangerous is its tendency to grow out of sight. Mold can develop in hidden areas such as behind walls, under floorboards, or within HVAC systems. 

A musty odor or minor water stains may be the only indicators, leading residents to overlook the issue. Without immediate action, mold spreads further, heightening health risks and making professional remediation critical.

Remember: Consulting a personal injury mold attorney can be crucial for pursuing fair compensation and supporting any legal claims related to landlord negligence.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Mold-Related Issues?

The timeline for recovery from mold exposure varies widely depending on the level and duration of exposure, the mold type, and individual health factors.

In cases of mild exposure, symptoms may begin to improve within weeks after mold remediation. However, more severe or prolonged exposure can require months or even years for recovery, particularly if irreversible conditions like asthma develop.

Factors Affecting Recovery Times:

  • Level of exposure: Prolonged exposure, especially if undiagnosed or ignored, can lead to more severe health issues that require extended recovery.
  • Type of mold: Certain molds like Stachybotrys produce toxins that may cause lasting neurological symptoms, which can take months or years to fully resolve.
  • Existing health conditions: Those with preexisting health conditions such as asthma or chronic allergies may face longer recovery times, as mold exposure can exacerbate these conditions.

Reasons to Take Legal Action

  • Medical expenses: Chronic health conditions related to mold exposure often require expensive, ongoing treatment, justifying the need for compensation to cover these costs.
  • Lasting health damage: Mold exposure can lead to lifelong respiratory conditions, neurological damage, and other serious health impacts, necessitating compensation for future medical care and suffering.
  • Negligence by landlords or employers: When landlords or employers ignore reported mold issues, legal action may be the only way to hold them accountable and secure a safe environment.
  • Lost wages: Serious health effects may require extended time off work, leading to financial strain. Compensation can help cover these lost wages, allowing victims to focus on recovery.

Basically, a mold exposure lawsuit helps victims recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, emotional suffering, and other expenses related to their health impacts. 

As stated before, getting in touch with an attorney for mold issues is key for victims who need to navigate the legal system, gather the necessary evidence, and build a compelling case for fair compensation.

Example of the Long-Term Health Costs

Consider a tenant who faced toxic mold exposure over several years in an apartment with persistent moisture issues. After developing asthma, this tenant may face a lifelong dependency on medication, inhalers, and regular doctor visits. 

Cases like these highlight the importance of taking legal action to help victims afford ongoing medical care and future health-related expenses. In fact, coming up is a section where we’ll analyze some real lawsuit cases involving toxic mold exposure.

How a Mold Exposure Lawyer Helps: Real Lawsuit Cases

Mold exposure cases require the collection of substantial evidence, including medical records, environmental reports, and expert testimony. 

A mold exposure lawyer can assist in compiling this evidence, consulting experts, and pursuing compensation. We’ll now share some notable cases showing the critical role of legal representation in securing justice for mold exposure victims. Let’s start with the first case:

Case Study 1: Prosecutor vs. Broward County Courthouse in Florida

In 2013, Florida prosecutor Stefanie Ginnis sued Broward County Courthouse after mold exposure at her workplace caused chronic sinus infections. With legal representation, she secured a $166,500 settlement. 

This case emphasizes employer accountability in maintaining safe environments and shows how a lawyer’s guidance can effectively navigate complex claims against public institutions.

Case Study 2: Employee vs. Baxter International in North Carolina

In North Carolina, an employee filed a lawsuit against Baxter International in 2017 after mold was discovered in sterile production areas. Although there were no immediate health effects, the company ignored repeated mold warnings, resulting in a $2.158 million settlement. 

Baxter was also fined an additional $16 million in criminal penalties. This case underscores the importance of legal action in holding companies accountable, even when immediate health damage isn’t evident.

Case Study 3: Gorman vs. Crenshaw Lumber Co. in California

In California, the Gorman family experienced devastating health effects after Stachybotrys mold contaminated their new home due to improperly stored lumber. The mold exposure resulted in severe neurological damage to their child, leading to a $13 million award from the lumber company, plus more funds from 16 other construction companies involved in building their home. 

This case highlights the life-altering impacts of toxic mold exposure and the value of legal action in securing substantial compensation for significant medical and emotional costs.

Case Study 4: Family vs. Negligent Landlord in Maryland

In Maryland, a client of Mr. Chris L. Beard represented a family who developed serious respiratory and skin conditions due to unchecked mold in their rented condominium. Here’s a breakdown of the case details:

  • The incident: Following a series of heavy storms, moisture buildup led to mold spreading in the home. Despite multiple complaints to the landlord, no remediation was provided, resulting in prolonged exposure and worsening health.
  • Health impacts: Both the mother and her children developed environmental asthma, with symptoms worsening over time. The prolonged exposure led to respiratory issues that significantly impacted their quality of life and required long-term medical care.
  • Landlord’s negligence: The landlord violated Maryland’s warranty of habitability by failing to address the moisture and mold, ignoring the tenants’ rights to a safe living environment.
  • Legal outcome: The family secured compensation under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, holding the landlord accountable. Compensation covered their medical bills, property damage, and emotional suffering.

This last Maryland case exhibits the important role of a mold exposure lawyer in determining landlord negligence, documenting health impacts, and securing compensation. Tenants facing negligent landlords can seek justice and ensure their rights to safe living conditions are upheld.

Contact Toxic Mold Exposure Attorney Christopher L. Beard

Christopher L. Beard is one of Maryland’s leading mold exposure attorneys. Known for his experience in handling complex mold cases, Mr. Beard combines legal expertise with a deep understanding of the environmental science involved in mold exposure.

What sets Mr. Beard apart is his meticulous approach to investigating mold cases. He works closely with environmental and medical experts to gather comprehensive evidence, assess property damage, and evaluate the health effects on his clients. 

Mr. Beard’s extensive knowledge of Maryland’s consumer protection and habitability laws enables him to identify situations where landlords or employers failed in their duty to provide safe environments. 

His dedication to his client’s health and legal rights makes him an effective advocate for victims of mold exposure in Annapolis and across Maryland.

If you need a mold exposure lawyer who will work tirelessly to secure fair compensation and justice, Christopher L. Beard offers free consultations to help you understand your rights and options. Call (443) 569-3950 to discuss how he can assist with your mold exposure case.