Question: There is mold present in a house I am renting, and it has caused severe illness for me and my wife. The landlord says he will look into it, but can I get him to pay for my trouble? This has been going on for three months, and I have continuous sinus trouble and headaches. Plus, I have other medical problems that I see on Google are caused by mold.
BILL: There is a possibility that you could have a claim against your landlord. But you have a few things against you.
First, three months of exposure is not all that long.
Second, you will have to have your doctor say that this mold causes these infections, your sinus trouble, and all the other stuff. If the doctor will not do this, you really don’t have much chance of winning a case.
Next, I have handled mold cases and learned that some molds are not that dangerous — and other kinds of mold are very dangerous. It would be best if you found out which type you have.
And finally, no landlord or landlord’s insurance company will pay out based on what you Google. It could all be accurate, but no judge will see Google as an expert witness.
Here is what I suggest to get you help and keep your expenses down.
You need to decide what you want. I assume good health is your priority. So, if the landlord can remove the mold and you want to live there, I would take that as a win.
If you feel you have been seriously, and I mean seriously, injured because of this mold and the landlord refused to make repairs or let you out of your lease, then see a lawyer. But let me suggest you see a lawyer who specializes in mold cases since this is such a specific area of the law. Now, to make yourself feel more comfortable, you can get a local lawyer who can work with one of these specialized lawyers. If so, it will not cost you one dime more since the lawyers will share the legal fees portion of your settlement.
CALL BILL
Injured? You can call Bill directly at 251-255-5000. He will talk to you for free.
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