what type of lawyer do i need to sue apartment complex for mold poisoning

by Arden Roob IV 6 min read

If you are a homeowner or commercial business owner whose building is contaminated by toxic mold growth, causing adverse health effects and property damage, considering hiring a toxic mold lawyer. Toxic mold cases may include claims against contractors and suppliers for construction defects and faulty construction materials.

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How do I hire an attorney for a toxic mold lawsuit?

Jan 19, 2017 · Ideally, you want to hire an attorney who has worked on mold-related claims before; and in fact some attorneys specialize in toxic mold cases. Since these types of lawsuits tend to encompass many different areas of the law, you will want an attorney who is familiar with the following: Toxic Torts Law Personal Injury Law Housing Law

Can I Sue my Landlord for mold?

Mar 24, 2022 · What type of lawyer do I need to sue my apartment complex for mold and electric issues ?

What are the grounds for a lawsuit against a landlord?

Mar 04, 2015 · 2 attorney answers. Posted on Mar 8, 2015. Yes you can sue them for the costs of having to move and damages for the aggravation they put you through, but you should have called the local building department and had them inspect and cit the landlord. Once they were cited for mold, they would have had a duty to fix it before an inspection.

How to file a lawsuit against an apartment complex?

Dec 27, 2018 · Grounds to Sue. Make sure that you have grounds for a lawsuit. Some of the most common landlord violations include: Failing to provide a safe and habitable apartment or complex. Breaking terms of the apartment lease. Entering the apartment without the required notice. Failing to return a security deposit. Unlawful eviction.

How do you win a toxic mold lawsuit?

0:342:08Local attorney has advice on winning mold cases in court - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey have to take steps to investigate. And correct the problem if there's a water leak that'sMoreThey have to take steps to investigate. And correct the problem if there's a water leak that's creating the mold. And they would want to investigate where that water is coming from.

Can you sue for toxic mold?

If you have developed health problems, suffered property damage, or incurred other types of losses because of a mold infestation, you may be able to file a legal claim to get compensation for your injuries or losses, including the cost of getting rid of the mold (called "mold remediation").

How long does a landlord have to fix a mold problem in California?

If you believe a departing tenant caused a mold problem (beyond ordinary wear and tear) in an apartment or rental unit, you might wish to deduct the cost of cleaning from that tenant's security deposit. California law allows landlords to do this, provided they give the tenant a written explanation of the mold damage ...

What do I do if my apartment has mold?

If there is mold in your apartment, you need to notify your landlord immediately. You might also consider asking your landlord to bring in a professional mold inspector. Mold usually grows in difficult to see places, like behind walls or appliances, and the professionals will have equipment to detect it.

Can you sue your landlord for mold?

From 20 March, 2019, you'll be able to sue your landlord if they don't fix damp and mould in your home. Both private and social renters are covered - provided they don't have tenancies longer than seven years - and includes the common areas of buildings as well as your rooms.Feb 12, 2019

Can you sue a landlord for emotional distress?

If a landlord causes you severe emotional distress that does not result in physical harm, you can recover for this purely emotional injury if your landlord's actions were reckless or intentional. The money damages may be doubled or tripled if you also claim that the action was an unfair or deceptive practice.

What are symptoms of mold exposure?

The most common symptoms of mold exposure include:Coughing.Postnasal drip.Sneezing.Dry, scaly skin.Itchy eyes, nose, or throat.Nasal congestion.May 26, 2021

Can I break my lease because of mold in California?

Abandon your rental unit. California law allows renters to move out of their rental unit if it is defective. Since mold breaches the implied warranty of habitability, rendering your unit substandard and a threat to your health and safety, it qualifies.

Can I sue my landlord for mold in California?

If your landlord is found liable for your mold related illnesses, you may be able to sue your landlord for your damages. These damages typically include the costs of medical expenses such as past or future medical bills related to the condition, as well as lost wages and other financial losses caused by the illness.Aug 20, 2019

How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure?

These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and then recur on return to work.

Are landlords responsible for mold?

As a landlord, it's both your legal responsibility and a duty of care to your tenants to make sure your property is free of damp and mould. To do this properly, you need an expert to diagnose the problem and then, ideally, secure a fix that also has a quality warranty.Feb 24, 2021

How long does a landlord have to fix a mold problem Alabama?

A landlord has 14 days to repair a mold problem in Alabama. Tenants should submit their written request for repairs to the landlord. If the landlord fails to make repairs within 14 days, legal action is an option. A lawyer can help you get out of your lease and get your security deposit back.

What is the phone number for mold damage?

PA: (215) 576-0100. NJ: (856) 667-8888. Give us a call to schedule your free consultation if you’ve suffered health or property damage due to mold. You are likely entitled to compensation.

How does mold enter a house?

Mold can enter a property through open doors, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems, via damage to the property that allows water in, or through a flood.

What are the health problems caused by mold?

Health Problems That Are Caused by Mold 1 Asthma, in people who never had asthma 2 Frequent and more severe asthma attacks in people who have asthma 3 Lung Infection, especially in people with a suppressed immune response such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, those with HIV, and those who have received a stem cell or organ transplant

What happens if you don't have medical insurance?

If you don’t have medical insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover all of your medical expenses from exposure to mold, you can sue and recover those costs as well as for the cost of future medical treatment.

Why does water enter my house?

The cause of water entering the house may be flawed construction or design, the wear and tear on the property over many years causing window, roof, or water pipe failure or flood. A severe storm may also cause sewer back up or roof, window sash, or soffit damage that allows water into the property, causing mold growth.

Does renters insurance cover mold?

Most renter’s insurance will cover mold damage to household goods, furniture, and personal possessions. Still, there may be an exception for mold that developed over time that you should have noticed earlier or an exception for mold that is present as a result of a flood. If you do not have renter’s insurance or your policy does not cover this ...

What causes mold in drywall?

Toxic mold is usually caused by water damage from a small leak over time or burst water pipes that are repaired, but the resulting moisture held in drywall or carpet or furniture is not remediated. If a property floods, mold will grow if the affected building materials and furniture are not removed and replaced.

Joseph Kelly Levasseur

Yes you can sue them for the costs of having to move and damages for the aggravation they put you through, but you should have called the local building department and had them inspect and cit the landlord. Once they were cited for mold, they would have had a duty to fix it before an inspection.

David W Degnan

Can you, yes. Should you, maybe. If you're looking for advice on whether your claim is viable, then you should consult with a real estate or landlord tenant attorney. Good luck.

How much can you get in small claims court?

Small claims court limits range from $1,500 to $25,000, depending on the state. Small claims courts may be a little easier to navigate on your own if you choose not to hire an attorney.

What is a complaint called?

Drafting the Complaint. You must draft a complaint, sometimes called a petition. A complaint initiates the lawsuit and must be formatted in a way that conforms to local court rules. For example, list facts relevant to your claim and the law that you believe has been broken, in numbered paragraphs.

What are the violations of a lease?

Make sure that you have grounds for a lawsuit. Some of the most common landlord violations include: 1 Failing to provide a safe and habitable apartment or complex 2 Breaking terms of the apartment lease 3 Entering the apartment without the required notice 4 Failing to return a security deposit 5 Unlawful eviction 6 Discrimination

What to do if tenant rights are violated?

Your first step, if you suspect your tenant rights are being violated, is to review your lease. Your rental agreement spells out important terms such as your rent, size of security deposit, lease termination date, and obligations as a tenant. This may help you determine whether you have a case or not.

What happens if you lose a countersuit against your landlord?

The worst consequence? Your landlord could file a lawsuit against you, and if you lose a countersuit, you could be responsible for damages that the landlord suffered.

What happens if you are evicted illegally?

If you believe your landlord is trying to evict you illegally, you can sue and try to remain in the property. Furthermore, “if you were wrongfully evicted and incurred moving fees or temporary housing costs because of it, a court can order your landlord to reimburse you for those costs,” Tamkin says.

Who is responsible for home repairs?

Home repairs are typically the landlord’s responsibility, Tamkin says. So let’s say you paid for necessary repairs and your landlord agreed to reimburse you. If he reneges, you could sue to get the money. Just make sure you discussed springing for this expense before you pay for it.

What is a demand letter for landlord?

He recommends writing your landlord what’s called a “demand letter”—a request in writing that states what you want your landlord to do.

Can a landlord barge in?

As a tenant, you’re entitled to “quiet enjoyment” of your home—meaning your landlord can’t barge in whenever. A landlord is legally allowed to enter a property to make repairs, says Tamkin, “but someone who repeatedly enters a property to see what the tenant is doing for no legal reason could be in violation.”.

What is the implied warranty of habitability?

This means that the landlord is responsible for making repairs and keeping the property in livable condition.

Can you sue a landlord for a slip and fall?

For example, you slip and fall because there is not a lawfully required banister in the stairwell. You cannot sue the landlord if your injury is due to your own neglect. For example, your apartment is so dirty that you slip and fall in your apartment on a pile of your own dirty clothing.

Can you sue a landlord for a security deposit?

If you are suing because the landlord withheld your security deposit, then it makes sense to file the lawsuit after move out. If you are suing because the landlord refuses to perform repairs to make the unit habitable, then it makes sense to sue while you have an active lease.

What to do if landlord discriminates against you?

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any harm you suffered. One option is to hire a lawyer to sue the landlord in court.

What happens if a landlord doesn't maintain the property?

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring repair job could spark an electrical fire in your living room, damaging your furniture and other belongings.

What to do if landlord serves termination notice?

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a local lawyer that is knowledgeable about landlord-tenant law and has significant experience fighting evictions.

What to do if landlord evicts you?

Landlords must follow eviction procedures set forth by state and local law. If your landlord tries to evict you by taking matters into his own hands—for example, by locking you out, canceling your utilities, or even removing your doors, windows, or possessions—consider hiring a lawyer.

What happens if you don't have renters insurance?

If you have renter's insurance, your insurance company will cover the loss and its lawyers will then seek reimbursement from your landlord. If you don't have insurance or have inadequate coverage and the damage to your property is substantial, consider hiring a lawyer to help you obtain reimbursement from your landlord.

What is tenant rights?

The more you know the law and your legal rights, the better. The Tenant Rights section of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website provides a wide variety of state and local resources, including links to fair housing groups, rent control boards, tenant unions, and legal aid organizations for each state ;

What happens if your landlord doesn't fulfill your lease?

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the landlord who keeps putting off needed heating system repairs until winter is well under way, or the landlord who ignores a ground-floor tenant's requests to fix a broken window until a burglary occurs.

What are the health problems caused by mold?

This type of mold technically goes by the name Stachybotrys chartarum and can cause serious health problems after periods of exposure, including respiratory problems, internal organ damage, mental impairment, nausea, and skin inflammation. Mold also can cause irreparable property damage.

What is implied warranty of habitability?

Landlords are required by law to provide proper living conditions for their tenants, free from health or safety hazards , often referred to as an " implied warranty of habitability ." The standard for habitability is generally defined as the minimum required by your local jurisdiction's building code, which addresses the health and safety concerns of tenants. While certain minor problems such as drippy faucets are not considered crucial to habitability, toxic mold certainly is.

Can mold damage your house?

It may seem harmless, but certain types of mold can permanently destroy property and cause serious and sometimes lasting health problems. If you have suffered injuries that you believe are the result of this particularly dangerous type of fungus, you may need to sue your landlord for black mold.