The air you breathe can directly impact your health. If you’re constantly inhaling unsafe substances like mold in the workplace, you’re likely to experience a decline in your health and well-being.
If you or a loved one has suffered illness resulting from toxic mold exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced San Diego environmental trial attorneys will fight to ensure you get the outcome you deserve.
To learn how we can help you, contact Thompson Injury Law today for a free consultation.
What is mold in the workplace?
Mold, also known as mildew, is a type of fungal growth that can develop indoors and outdoors at any time of the year.
Mold can play a vital role in the environment, specifically outdoor mold. However, certain types of mold can be dangerous when inhaled.
Indoor mold generally grows where there’s excess moisture and low light. It reproduces by releasing spores that float through the air and land in other locations. If the spores settle on moist surfaces, they can grow into new mold colonies.
Mold growth can happen anywhere, but it’s typical to find it in office buildings and workplaces due to their moderate temperatures and nutrient sources.
Health Issues Related to Mold Exposure
In small amounts, mold isn’t usually dangerous. But when there’s a significant mold issue, spores can be inhaled in large amounts, resulting in health problems.
Employees spend many hours at work, resulting in significant exposure to mold-infested conditions. Substantial exposure and inhalation often lead to serious health problems, including the following:
- Respiratory issues
- Developing or worsening asthma
- Sinus infections
- Headaches
- Chronic fatigue
- Nosebleeds
- Eye irritation
- Skin rashes
- Confusion
- Anxiety/depression
- Neurological issues
- Bronchitis
- Immune system deficiency
- Lung disease
If you’ve recently developed these or other health issues, you could be suffering from toxic mold exposure. Visit your physician and discuss your health concerns to determine whether your symptoms are related to mold exposure.
Once you’ve taken mold into your body, it can be difficult to get rid of it entirely. It takes time, and you’ll likely continue to experience health issues while it remains present.
If you’ve been exposed to toxic mold in the workplace and are now suffering the consequences, consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Pursuing Compensation for Mold Exposure in the Workplace
You may have the opportunity to pursue compensation for your harm by filing a workers’ compensation claim if you’re suffering health issues because of mold exposure at work.
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that protects certain employees who have suffered work-related harm. Most employers are legally required to carry this insurance for their employees.
Workers’ comp can cover any of the following costs after a workplace injury:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Temporary/permanent disability benefits
Workers’ compensation covers not only physical injuries sustained at work but also medical conditions that result from exposure to dangerous substances or chemicals in the workplace.
To file a workers’ comp claim in California, you’ll need to start by reporting your injury to your employer. Your employer will then give you a workers’ compensation claim form to complete and return. Once you return the completed form, your employer will fill out their portion and submit your claim to their insurance company.
While you wait for a decision regarding your claim, your employer’s insurance will cover payment for medical treatment. This allows you to receive the medical attention you need while the insurance company looks into your claim.
Working with a lawyer experienced in workers’ compensation claims can help tremendously. An attorney can gather evidence to strengthen your claim, deal with the insurance company on your behalf, and handle any issues with your claim, like disputes or denials.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit for Workplace Mold Exposure
By filing a workers’ compensation claim, you forfeit the option to sue your employer. This is because workers’ comp is a type of no-fault insurance, meaning you get the compensation you need while your employer avoids legal liability.
However, you may still be able to file a lawsuit if someone other than your employer contributed to your illness. For example, if your employer’s landlord is found to be responsible for the mold problem, workers’ compensation wouldn’t afford them protection, meaning you could file a lawsuit against them.
An environmental law attorney can determine whether you have a valid claim against a third party and provide valuable legal guidance.
Discuss Your Situation with a Skilled Toxic Mold Environmental Trial Lawyer in San Diego, CA
Thompson Injury Law has been helping injured clients pursue the justice they deserve since 1976. When you trust us with your case, you can feel confident knowing our legal team will do everything possible to reach the most favorable outcome for you.
Contact us today to request a consultation with our environmental law attorneys in San Diego, California.
