Real Estate Law Misconceptions

When you are living in an apartment and you feel under-the-weather, you might not realize that your apartment is actually making you sick. Your landlord is responsible for making sure that your apartment is safe to live in. If you have medical bills as a result of your apartment making you sick, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help.

Toxic Mold

A common reason why tenants become sick in their apartments is because of toxic mold. One of the most infamous forms of toxic mold is black mold, which is known to cause respiratory problems and can even be fatal for those with respiratory disorders and the elderly. 

To hold your landlord liable for your illness, your personal injury lawyer will need to prove that the landlord was aware of the health problems that the apartment was causing and did not take the steps necessary to rectify the problem. For example, you might have discovered evidence of toxic mold, informed your landlord about this problem, and heard nothing back. 

Failure to Disclose

If you have just recently become a tenant, your landlord might have failed to disclose that your property has toxic mold in it. If so, you may be able to take legal action if you become sick. Your landlord might be forced to provide a copy of a document they supplied you with to warn you of the potential risk.

How to Prove Negligence

You may need to have your apartment independently tested for mold and take photographs of evidence of mold. While the mold might not be visible, you may see some discoloration in areas that are very moist, such as under a sink or in a bathroom. 

Compensation for the Illness Caused By Your Apartment

If you became sick as a result of the conditions of your apartment, you may need to be hospitalized. You may also suffer from long-term respiratory problems. If you are able to connect your health problems to your apartment, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Current medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Time taken off from work

An experienced personal injury attorney will allow you to gather the documentation necessary to prove that you are disabled and that your health condition is directly the result of the mold in your apartment. Then, you will be able to take legal action against the landlord and most likely receive a settlement from their insurance provider.