First Steps to Take after You Suspect Mold Damage

mold damageRhode Island Mold Damage Lawyers

There has been an increase in the number of lawsuits arising from mold damage across the country. Many homeowners and property managers are however still ignorant of what to do in case of mold infestation or damage in their homes or commercial buildings. 

It is important to understand that mold infestation can cause a lot of damage to property as well as affect the health of those living in a mod-infested house. You are entitled to compensation if you are affected in one way or the other. All you have to do is consult with experienced property damage lawyers. 

When it comes to assessing the extent of damage or the seriousness of the injury, the first thing to do is to determine who is responsible for your mold infestation. 

Liability often depends on whether the mold infestation is on the property you own or rent. Cranston RI property damage lawyers can also help you to determine capability. 

Steps to take in case of mold infestation 

The first thing to do is to ensure that you and your family are safe. This may include hiring a mold removal company to clear the mold as quickly as possible. 

The next thing is to contact your insurance company. The insurance company will send one of their agents to assess your home and verify your claims of mold infestation before taking any action. 

However, you are not always guaranteed that the insurance company will speed up the compensation process or even compensate you at all. That’s where an insurance attorney Rhode Island comes in. 

Mold infestation in a building you own 

If you notice signs of a mold infestation in your home, apartment, condominium, or vacation home that you have bought, here is a list of various parties that can be deemed liable. 

First of all, it is important to engage lawyers for property damage throughout the process. While filing a lawsuit, it is advisable to include all parties that you think are responsible for the infestation. 

Don’t struggle to decide between defendants, unless you are advised otherwise by your home property damage lawyer. 

 

 

Your homeowners’ insurance company is usually the first culprit. However, it will depend on whether mold infestation is listed in your insurance policy or not. Read and understand everything that’s covered before moving forward with the lawsuit. 

In case your mold infestation is covered under perils, then you can move ahead to include the insurance company as a defendant. For example, if the mold was caused by a leaking roof and roof leaks are part of the risks listed in the insurance policy, then the insurance company has no choice but to compensate. 

 

 

In case the mold infestation was brought about by poor construction work or failure by the contractor to properly install ventilation, you can as well include your builder or constructor as a responsible party for property damage or injury. 

 

 

Most states mandate home sellers to disclose any issues that their property could be having including mold infestation before selling. If you discover the presence of a mold infestation after purchasing a house, then you can sue the prior owner for breach of contract. 

What if the insurance company is not cooperating? 

Some insurance companies will try to delay the compensation process or look for loopholes that will make it hard for you to be compensated. The best way to deal with such a situation is to talk to property insurance claim attorneys. 

Richard Palumbo has some of the most experienced insurance lawyers in the country. Call today and inquire about any property damage issues you could be having.