As experienced San Diego mold attorneys and environmental personal injury attorneys, we have witnessed first-hand the devastating effects mold or an environmental hazard such as toxic chemicals can have on the people living or working inside of it. If you suspect that you or someone you know has a mold or indoor air quality problem in a home or workplace which is causing an environmental personal injury problem, consider these steps:
1. Take Photographs
Take pictures of anything that looks like mold, water damage, damage to property and anything that you think may be the cause of the problem. It is important to document the conditions that may be an issue. Your photographs could become very important evidence. Also, don’t assume that the condition will always be there – take the photographs immediately. Sometimes landlords or other potential defendants will “destroy evidence” or “repair” the problem by “cleaning” or painting over the mold and then the evidence may be gone.
Take the photographs with the best possible camera you can obtain. Photographs taken by a camera built into a cell phone are sometimes poor quality. Take lots of photos and from different angles and distances. Err on the side of taking more photographs rather than fewer. Take close-ups ad well as photos from a distance that shows an overall perspective. Check to make sure you are getting decent shots and THEN SAVE THE PHOTOS TO DISC AND A BACKUP DISC. Also, don’t neglect to photograph outside conditions including potential causes of moisture intrusion and water damage. For instance, if you think irrigation is leaking through your wall and causing mold, take photos of the exterior irrigation, ponding, water spraying on the wall or other pertinent conditions. Videotape can also be useful.
2. Have the Property Tested
Ideally, you want to have a professional do testing to verify the amount and levels of mold or whatever environmental hazard is the problem, including any chemical exposure. Depending on whether the environmental hazard at issue is toxic mold, a toxic chemical, or something else, this could include air testing, tape samples and other forms of sampling. Consult a qualified testing company, including a microbiologist or industrial hygienist. The cheapest company is not always the best. Some companies are not particularly qualified.
3. Complain to the Landlord, Property Manager or Responsible Party and Document Your Communications
If the responsible party will promptly fix the problem, then you don’t need a lawyer or litigation. Also, under most (not all) legal theories, you are required to provide “notice” to the defendant before they can be held liable. Keep good records of any communications you have with the landlord or responsible party. If they ignore you or refuse to fix the problem, they may be liable for your damages.
4. Make An Inventory of Any Damages
Keep a written inventory of any property that is destroyed or other damages you suffer as a result of the problem. This could include moving expenses, investigative expenses, property damage, hotel bills or anything else you incur as a result of the wrongful conduct of the potential defendant. If you must discard property, ideally you want to take a photo of it. Keep track of the value of the property, including any receipts you have.
5. Obtain Medical Advice
If you suspect you may be ill because of exposure to an environmental hazard, such as toxic mold, a toxic chemical exposure or something else, then go see the doctor. Any environmental medical claim must be supported by expert testimony from a physician. Ideally, you want to see a physician who has experience with injuries caused by mold exposure and/or environmental hazard exposure such as exposure to toxic chemicals. Still, if you are sick, seeing your regular physician is often a good start. Types of physicians that often are involved in the assessment of injuries from exposure to environmental hazards such as mold exposure, toxic chemical exposure and poor indoor air quality include: allergists, pulmonologists, toxicologists and environmental medicine specialists. Sometimes exposures cause an exacerbation of a pre-existing condition and the key physicians are specialists in the area dealing with the pre-existing condition (like a rheumatologist, or a endocrinologist). LaFave Law can help you figure out what type of doctor to see if you need help.
6. Call An Experienced San Diego Environmental Injury Lawyer or Toxic Mold Attorney such as the LaFave Law
The San Diego environmental and mold attorneys at LaFave Law are experienced specialists who will fight against the wrongdoers who made you ill (and their insurance companies) to make sure you obtain whatever compensation you are entitled to under the law. If you believe you have been exposed to toxic mold or some other environmental hazard such as a toxic chemical and your exposure has made you sick, contact us so we can determine what legal rights you may have.