Homes and properties in Florida are at particular risk for developing mold problems,
due to our humid climate. Mold not only causes damage, but it also threatens your
health. Mold damage results in costly repairs and cleaning, which may be covered
under insurance coverage. The time-consuming process of eliminating mold is often
protracted by insurance claims procedures. An experienced Florida mold claims lawyer
can assist you in determining who is responsible for your mold damage and recovering
the damages caused by mold.
At John Bales Attorneys, we represent clients with mold claims throughout Florida,
including Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Pensacola. Our nationwide
network of lawyers means that we can guide you through a mold claim anywhere in
the country. To discuss your mold claim, contact a John Bales Florida mold claims
lawyer today. Complete a FREE Online Consultation Form or call us
toll free 1-800-CALL JOHN (1-800-225-5564) 24 hours, 7 days a week.
What is mold, and where is it found?
Mold is a form of fungus that occurs both indoors and outdoors. Of the more than
100,000 species of mold, at least 1,000 are common in the United States. Some of
the most commonly found species include Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.
In Florida, mold is most likely to grow where there is moisture or dampness, such
as bathrooms or basements. Some species of mold are particularly dangerous to people’s
health, making thorough removal and cleaning of mold a critical step.
How does mold grow?
All molds need water to grow. In Florida, mold can grow almost anywhere there is
water damage, high humidity, dampness, or standing water. Mold growth usually is
confined to the area close to the moisture source. Removing this source through
repairs or dehumidification is important to preventing mold growth and undergoing
costly mold damage claims.
How can you be exposed to mold?
When moldy material is damaged or disturbed, the spores (reproductive bodies similar
to seeds) can be released into the air. These spores are so small that they are
easily inhaled. Exposure can also occur if people directly handle moldy materials
or accidentally ingest it. Some molds also produce chemicals known as mycotoxins.
Certain people are particularly vulnerable to mycotoxins, and may grow ill if they
encounter large amounts of the chemical in the air. This kind of exposure is usually
associated with specific occupations, particularly agriculture. If you have been
exposed to mold, either at home or at work, contact a Florida mold claims lawyer
as soon as possible.
How can mold affect your health?
Most species of mold are harmless to healthy individuals, and simply create an inconvenience.
However, too much exposure to mold may worsen conditions such as asthma, hay fever,
allergies, and other respiratory conditions. The most common symptoms of overexposure
to mold include cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and aggravation of asthma. Depending
on the level of exposure and a person’s individual vulnerability, more serious health
effects, such as fever or respiratory distress, can occur.
What is Stachybotrys chartarum?
Also known as Stachybotrys atra or “black mold,” this mold has been the most closely
associated with health risks. The greenish-black mold grows on materials with high
cellulose content, like drywall sheetrock, dropped ceiling tiles, and wood. This
harmful mold flourishes in wet or damp conditions, and may grow where there is excessive
humidity, a water leak, condensation, or flooding.
How can Stachybotrys chartarum affect your health?
Typically, indoor levels of this mold are low and non-threatening. However, higher
levels do elevate the risk to health. The effects of Stachybotrys chartarum may
include allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms), dermatitis (rashes), sinusitis,
conjunctivitis, and aggravation of asthma or other respiratory conditions. Some
related symptoms are more general, such as fatigue or inability to concentrate.
Symptoms usually disappear once the area has been decontaminated.
There has been some evidence of a link between Stachybotrys chartarum and pulmonary
hemosiderosis in infants less than six months old. This uncommon condition causes
bleeding in the lungs. In the studied cases, infants were continually exposed to
Stachybotrys chartarum in highly contaminated dwellings.
If my family is exposed to mold, should we see a physician?
If you or a family member develops symptoms that correspond to exposure to mold,
you should see a physician. It is important to remember that symptoms of mold exposure
closely resemble symptoms of many other illnesses. You should provide the physician
with as many details as possible regarding when, how, and how long you were exposed
to mold.
Seeking a physician’s opinion can also be a critical step in building a mold claim.
Be sure to document your visits, and ask the doctor to provide information in writing.
Your medical record can prove useful in proving injury or damage in a Florida mold
claim.
If you or your family has been exposed to mold, contact a John Bales Florida mold
claims attorney today.
How can you tell if Stachybotrys chartarum is in your home?
Many molds closely resemble the harmful Stachybotrys chartarum, but are actually
harmless. For instance, the mold found between bathroom tiles is not Stachybotrys.
The only way to positively identify this mold is to hire a professional to conduct
a microscopic examination. If you determine that this harmful mold is growing on
your property, contact a Florida mold claims attorney as soon as possible.
What should you do if mold is present in your home or apartment?
Although any visible mold can be sampled by an environmental consultant and/or analyzed
by a laboratory specializing in microbiology, these tests can be very expensive.
Some cost thousands of dollars. There is simply no simple, cheap way to sample the
air in your home for the presence of mold. Even after a positive mold test, it can
be difficult to determine what levels result in an impact on your health. Therefore,
it is more important to get rid of the mold, than to find out more about it through
expensive tests. The most effective way to treat mold is to correct underlying damage
and thoroughly clean the affected area. These repairs can be costly and time consuming.
If you are facing expensive mold repairs and treatment, you may be eligible to file
a mold claim. Contact a Florida mold lawyer to discuss your options.
How should mold be cleaned?
Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears, by someone free of symptoms and allergies.
Small areas of mold can be cleaned using a detergent, soap, or an appropriate household
cleaner. Once the area is cleaned, it should dry completely. All rags and sponges
used should be thrown away.
If the mold returns or spreads, there may be an underlying water source such as
a leak. It is important to eliminate this source, to prevent the proliferation of
mold. For extensive mold contamination, enlist the services of a professional abatement
company. Often this treatment is covered under your homeowner’s policy, so you may
be eligible to file a mold claim and get compensation for the money you spend on
repairs and cleaning. Complete a FREE Online Consultation Form or
call us toll free 1-800-CALL JOHN (1-800-225-5564) 24 hours, 7
days a week.