The Cost of Litigation of Untreated Mold Problems
Worried About a Possible Mold Issue? Think About the Kids.
What is the price of your family’s health? As organizations such as the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to warn about mold and fungus as serious causes of illness, courts are becoming more likely to award monetary damages.
Failure to address moisture and mold problems can result in serious liability for property owners. Here are two cases where landlords and home owners were held responsible for significant damages caused by lack of mold treatment.
Former NBA Coach Cited for “Technical Foul”
After former NBA player and coach Rudy Tomjanovich and his wife sold their Pacific Palisades home, the purchaser sued over lack of disclosure concerning water leaks accompanied by mold and fungus. The couple claimed that there had been only one leak that was promptly repaired, and they blamed the non-disclosure on their attorneys.
The Tomjanovichs were ordered to pay more than $3 million in compensatory and punitive damages. This case underscores the fact that water damage and remediation efforts must always be disclosed in property transactions.
Renter Beware
An Oregon radiologist rented a home which developed a water leak in a stairwell. The tenant promptly reported the issue to the property management company, but they took no action. When an indoor air quality expert discovered numerous defects that caused allergic symptoms, the renter sued and received an award of $103,000.
Efficient Mold and Fungus Remediation in NYC and Northern NJ
If you suspect mold and fungus in your home or business, our Stern Mold technicians can perform eco-friendly and non-invasive remediation using our MoldExterm process. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.