When you find a new apartment, you may be excited to begin the next chapter of your life. However, after settling in, you may start to feel unwell. Unfortunately, if this doesn’t get better over time, you may discover that mold in your unit is to blame. It’s important to understand that if you have sustained damages as a result of continued exposure to mold in Maryland, you are eligible to seek compensation for your damages. The following blog explores the dangers of prolonged exposure to mold, as well as the importance of working with personal injury attorneys in Baltimore County to help you through these difficult matters.
Why Is Exposure to Mold Dangerous?
Though mold may seem like little more than an eyesore in your home, in reality, it carries significant health risks. In general, you’ll find that most people will suffer respiratory issues when exposed to mold for an extended period of time. This can cause chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Additionally, mold exposure can worsen symptoms of asthma, which affects an estimated 8% of the population.
In addition, exposure to mold for prolonged periods can leave many feeling unwell. This includes chronic coughing, sore throat, stuffy nose, watery eyes, headaches, and fatigue.
However, exposure to mold can also lead to a number of serious infections and illnesses. When you breathe in mold spores or come into physical contact with mold, you may suffer from sporotrichosis, aspergillosis, or histoplasmosis. While the latter two primarily impact the lungs and respiratory system, sporotrichosis can impact your skin and lymph nodes, leading to ulcers and painful open sores.
How Do I Seek Compensation for Damages?
When you discover that your apartment is infested with mold, it can feel like you have nowhere to turn, as the place you used to retreat to is now making you ill. However, it’s critical to understand that you have rights in these matters. In Maryland, you’ll find that your landlord is legally obligated to ensure that your unit is livable and free from hazards. As such, your landlord is responsible for remedying issues with mold immediately.
If you report the mold to your landlord and they fail to act in a timely manner, they can face liability for the damages you incur as a result. Additionally, if they knew about the mold problem before you moved in but failed to fix the issue or inform you of the hazard, they can be held liable for the damages you incurred as a result. This includes your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional damages as a result.
Unfortunately, navigating a lawsuit against your landlord for mold in your apartment can be incredibly difficult. That is why working with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi is in your best interest. Our dedicated legal team understands how complicated these matters can be, which is why were are committed to helping you in the fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.