Illinois Lawyer Referrals and Legal Guidance
Illinois Toxic Mold Lawsuits
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The presence of mold in your home may pose a serious threat to your health. Most types of mold are harmless, but some molds, such as Stachybotrys and Memnoiella, are toxic. In particular, Stachybotrys, otherwise known as "black mold", is most commonly the cause for toxic mold related health problems. It is highly toxic and associated with "toxic mold syndrome". Black mold forms on damp indoor surfaces that contain cellulose such as wood, carpet, cardboard, wallpaper, wet leaves, hay and straw.
We often see cases of black mold in older buildings in Chicago and other parts of Cook County, but we have helped people find toxic mold lawyers all over Illinois including in Waukegan, Joliet, DuPage County and central Illinois.
What are signs of "toxic mold syndrome"?
Exposure to black mold may cause any number of ailments, ranging from mild to deadly, and including the following:
- Headaches
- Chronic fatigue
- skin rashes
- respiratory problems
- bleeding of eyes, nose and lungs
- lung disease
- memory loss
- brain damage
- death in infants
What should I do if I find black mold in my house?
If you own your home, you should first notify your insurance company. Some insurance companies will compensate you upon proof of black mold; others will be more contentious. Conversely, if you are renting, you should immediately notify your landlord. Should your insurance company or landlord refuse to pay for your damages, filing a lawsuit is your option.
Whether you own or rent, you must also do what you can to immediately rid your home of the threat of black mold. You may not claim damages for injuries that occurred when you knowingly subjected yourself to black mold. If your landlord needs you to temporally relocate to repair the damage, he should pay the costs associated with relocation.
What steps should I take to ensure recovery?
If you or a family member has been injured from exposure to toxic mold, you may be able to recover for the damages related to inspection, repair, alternative housing, present and future medical expenses, and emotional distress.
If a lawsuit becomes necessary, you should first speak with a personal injury attorney, preferably one with toxic mold and insurance company negotiation experience. There are time limits for filing a black mold lawsuit so the sooner you act, the better or your case could be barred forever.
It is also recommended that throughout the process you keep accurate and detailed records of the following:
- Correspondence with your insurance company or landlord;
- Inspection records;
- Detailed photos of the mold detailing its locations, prevalence, and removal;
- Bills and receipts for inspections and repairs;
- All medical records and receipts;
- Any other documentation related to the toxic mold.
If you have any questions about injuries from exposure to mold or if you would like an attorney referral, please do not hesitate to contact us.