Discovering a mold problem in a home or office can be frightening. Much has been made in the media in recent years regarding the devastating health effects that living with mold may have.
Naturally, a property owner who discovers that they have a mold problem wants to address the problem as quickly as possible. A bit of investigation reveals that mold remediation services are really expensive. Does the homeowner’s insurance policy cover the cost?
It may, but mold claims can be extremely complex. Working with a qualified, experienced mold claims lawyer is the best way to ensure that you get the protection you deserve from your insurance policy.
Mold spores require numerous items to help them grow. They need a food source like wood, cotton or drywall as well as darkness, warmth and oxygen. Water is yet another vital component. This means that mold problems tend to crop up in areas that have been damaged by water or where a hidden leak is occurring. Frequently, mold is found in out-of-the-way places like beneath floors, inside walls, within air conditioning ducts or in ceilings.
This means that people may not know that they have a mold problem until they begin to notice mysterious medical symptoms.
Some of the most common causes of mold problems include leaky pipes, roof leaks, condensation, poor ventilation, flooding, dampness in basements and water that collects around the building’s foundation.
While a few fortunate people have little or no physical reaction to a mold problem, others are not so lucky. They are sensitive to molds, and their body symptoms may run from mild to severe.
The most common adverse reactions include nasal congestion, irritated eyes, itchy skin and a runny nose. People who have allergies or asthma are subject to far more serious reactions. A severe reaction that includes shortness of breath and fever may ensue for people who are extremely sensitive.
The risks may be especially dire for small children. Studies have found that early exposure to mold may increase a child’s likelihood of developing asthma.
Clearly, identifying a mold problem is important. How can you tell if your home or office is plagued by mold issues?
Because mold tends to grow in dark, out-of-the-way places, it is not always easy to identify a problem until it is already well underway. In fact, mold infestations typically are not apparent to the casual observer until they make an appearance on interior walls, ceilings and floors. This is a concerning development, because it means that the mold problem within the walls, above the ceilings and below the floors is probably out of control.
Other people begin to suspect a mold problem when they are constantly plagued by colds and flu symptoms. If possible, try spending a few days away from the house. If your symptoms disappear, then it could be a mold problem in your property that’s causing you to feel sick.
A musty or damp odor is yet another clue that your property may be suffering from mold, and some people endure a number of unexplained nosebleeds. Frequent headaches and breathing difficulties can also be telltale signs.
Above all, if your home has ever been flooded or experienced a leak from a pipe or the roof, then mold could be the culprit behind any unexplained smells or symptoms.
If you suspect that your home is plagued by mold, then it’s wise to act quickly. Mold not only affects your health but also it can also cause structural damage. It makes sense to call a mold inspection company first. A technician can tell you whether or not you actually have a mold problem as well as determine its extent. They may even be able to give you some information about what caused the mold to grow.
This typically is the time when people start considering a call to their insurance company. However, mold claims can be complicated. Insurance companies do not like to pay any more than they have to, and they will definitely look for ways to deny your claim. Accordingly, the smartest thing you can do is to call Your Insurance Attorney first.
Your insurance company has many experts and all the time in the world. Using hidden clauses, confusing language and delay tactics, they may do everything in their power to pay as little of your claim as possible. In fact, they would probably prefer to deny your claim entirely.
Insurance policies are written in convoluted legalese. This can make them difficult to interpret, and that’s why you need an attorney who is working only for you.
Your Insurance Attorney takes on cases after carefully considering all of the facts. This includes a review of your insurance policy, the damage to your home or other property and the effect that this damage has had on your family. Investigators work hard to determine how the mold growth started.
This is critical, because if the mold problem was sparked by a roof leak, burst pipe, flooding, storm damage or other covered event, then your insurance company may be responsible for compensating you for the total cost of mold remediation services.
Your Insurance Attorney understands how insurance companies operate. Coupled with their familiarity with the pertinent laws, these legal professionals may be able to help you get the money for the mold remediation that your home or office so desperately needs.
Too frequently, insurance companies give their policyholders the runaround, delaying their mold claims and looking for excuses to offer a lowball settlement amount.
These tactics do not work with Your Insurance Attorney. We understand the legal rights of our clients, and we fight for them day and night. Schedule your consultation today with a qualified mold claims lawyer.
