Mold Related Illnesses & Health Risks
If you’ve discovered mold in your home, apartment, or commercial property in Colorado or Florida, it’s important to understand that your health may be at risk. Mold-related illnesses and health risks can range from allergy-like symptoms to fatalities.
If you do fall ill, there may be remedies available to you. To find out more, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free, confidential consultation.
Building A Strong Toxic Mold Injury Claim
To build a strong claim, document everything: take photos and videos of affected areas, keep any correspondence with landlords, property managers, or insurers, and maintain a timeline of when mold was first suspected or discovered.
Additionally, preserve any medical records that link health problems to mold exposure. This includes doctor visits, prescriptions, and diagnostic reports.
Finally, work with experienced toxic mold attorneys who understand the nuances of insurance policies, landlord responsibilities, and property law in your state. At Flaxman Law Group, you will speak directly with Charles or Steven Flaxman, who will use their decades of trial and negotiation experience across multiple practice areas to seek compensation for you.
How Mold Exposure Affects Your Health
Mold spores release mycotoxins into the air, which can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. People living in areas like South Florida’s coastal apartments, Denver’s older multi-family buildings, or Colorado Springs’ high-humidity basements are especially vulnerable due to environmental conditions that encourage rapid mold growth.
Mold exposure may exacerbate pre-existing conditions or cause new health problems. Even short-term exposure in poorly ventilated areas can result in persistent headaches, fatigue, or respiratory irritation. Prolonged exposure often leads to more severe complications that require medical intervention and may form the basis for a legal claim.
Common Symptoms of Mold-Related Illness
Mold-related illnesses often manifest subtly at first, making them easy to overlook. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic coughing or sneezing without clear cause.
- Irritated or itchy eyes.
- Persistent nasal congestion or sinus infections.
- Skin rashes or hives.
- Headaches and fatigue.
- Worsening asthma (especially in children).
- Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog.”
These symptoms may vary depending on the type of mold, duration of exposure, and individual sensitivities. In Florida, for example, high humidity in Miami apartments often encourages Stachybotrys (black mold) growth, which is linked to respiratory irritation and severe allergic reactions.
In Colorado, water intrusion in older Denver or Boulder buildings can promote Aspergillus and Penicillium species, causing sinus problems, asthma flare-ups, or lung infections in vulnerable populations.
Respiratory Conditions Linked to Mold
One of the most significant health concerns with mold exposure is its effect on the respiratory system. Toxic mold can inflame airways, trigger asthma attacks, or worsen chronic bronchitis.
Specific respiratory conditions linked to mold exposure include:
- Asthma exacerbation. Mold spores act as irritants and allergens, triggering asthma attacks in both children and adults.
- Chronic bronchitis. Repeated exposure can inflame the bronchi and prolong recovery times.
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Rare, severe lung inflammation caused by prolonged inhalation of mold spores. In some cases, this condition can be fatal and families may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Timely medical documentation is critical. Respiratory conditions can grow worse and lead to complications or fatalities. If you notice any difficulty breathing, always seek medical help.
Allergic Reactions Caused by Mold Spores
Even if you don’t have a respiratory condition, mold spores can trigger allergic reactions. Common allergic symptoms include:
- Sneezing and runny nose.
- Red, itchy eyes.
- Skin irritation or rashes.
- Sinus congestion and headaches.
Documenting these reactions through medical visits or allergy testing is essential for building a mold exposure claim. In addition, early intervention allows your doctor to develop a treatment plan so you can enjoy some relief.
Mold Exposure and Asthma Flare-Ups
Asthma sufferers should be especially vigilant. Mold exposure can trigger sudden flare-ups that are difficult to control without medical intervention. Even well-managed asthma can become unstable if mold growth is present in the home or workplace.
Asthma flare-ups from mold exposure may require emergency medical care, additional medication, or hospitalization, all of which are recoverable damages in a toxic mold claim if negligence can be shown.
Toxic Mold and Neurological Effects
Certain mold species produce mycotoxins, which can enter the body and cause inflammation as well as damage to the nervous system. This can cause some of the more frightening symptoms.
Neurological symptoms from mold exposure can include headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mood swings, and in severe cases, tremors, seizures, or numbness. In some cases, these effects also include sleep disturbances and even anxiety or depression.
Residents near high-traffic areas, such as I-25 in Colorado or I-95 in South Florida, may notice that the combination of pollution and indoor mold irritants can cause indoor pollution that can worsen these neurological effects.
Mold-Related Skin Irritations and Eye Problems
Mold spores in indoor environments can irritate the skin and eyes, particularly in homes or workplaces where ventilation is poor.
Common skin and eye reactions include:
- Red, itchy eyes or watery eyes.
- Rashes, hives, or eczema flare-ups.
- Blisters or dry, dry patches.
- General skin irritation that persists after cleaning.
- Discoloration and changes in skin texture.
In many cases, these symptoms are caused by allergic reactions to mold. They should always be investigated, since these allergic symptoms can get worse with continued exposure and can even lead to complications, such as infection.
Long-Term Health Consequences of Mold Exposure
Extended exposure to mold can have lasting health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations. Chronic exposure to mold spores or mycotoxins may lead to respiratory illnesses, persistent allergic reactions, neurological issues, and fatigue. There are even some studies which have linked long-term exposure to organ damage.
Long-term consequences may include:
- Chronic sinus infections or bronchitis.
- Long-lasting neurological symptoms such as brain fog or memory issues, some of which may mimic dementia.
- Severe asthma or ongoing respiratory difficulties.
- Sensitized immune responses, resulting in recurring allergic reactions.
In many cases, symptoms will get better once a person is moved to a safe environment without mold. However, the longer exposure continues, the more likely it is that individuals will face chronic health problems.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Mold-Related Illness?
While anyone can experience health effects from mold, certain populations are particularly vulnerable. These include:
- Children and infants, who have developing respiratory and immune systems.
- Elderly individuals, who may have weaker immune responses.
- People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD.
- Immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressive medication.
In Florida, schools and daycare facilities in humid areas can sometimes harbor mold in plumbing systems or poorly ventilated classrooms, increasing risks for children. Nursing homes, too, can be in older buildings that pose a risk for vulnerable residents.
Taking Action
If you notice symptoms, it’s critical to act quickly:
- Get a medical evaluation. Make sure to tell your doctor about potential mold exposure. Ask your doctor what you need to do to stay safe. Your doctor may recommend moving temporarily.
- Inspect your property. Look for visible mold, musty odors, or water damage.
- Notify your landlord or property manager. Keep a written record of the notification, since these cases can become landlord-tenant disputes.
- Document everything. Photos, videos, medical records, and correspondence can become evidence.
- Consult with mold remediation experts. These professionals can help identify mold that may not be visible, such as mold hidden behind walls. They can help you determine the extent of an infestation and the type of mold you have, which can help your doctor evaluate your risk.
- Contact a toxic mold attorney. Toxic mold attorneys at Flaxman Law Group understand both the health implications and legal strategies required to protect your rights.
At Flaxman Law Group, clients in Colorado and Florida benefit from decades of experience combined with insider knowledge of insurance tactics. You will work directly with Charles or Steven Flaxman throughout your case, and you will have your attorney’s cell phone number so there is never any delay in communication.
We have helped recover substantial compensation for clients facing complex health and property damages due to mold exposure. Our team assisted one client who was living with mold in Colorado. We were able to secure compensation for relocation and were able to help her break her lease with no penalty. Early intervention in that case allowed our client to move to a safer housing situation.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Mold Exposure
If you notice any symptoms that may be caused by mold, see a doctor right away. Even if you have no symptoms, seek medical attention if any mold is found in your home. Getting treatment early, while symptoms are mild, can help you prevent complications.
Bringing any environmental documentation, such as photos, water damage reports, or mold inspection results, to your doctor can help your doctor properly diagnose your condition.
How a Toxic Mold Lawyer Can Help with Related Injury Claims
If there is mold in your home, workplace, or commercial property, you may have a claim if exposure has caused property damage or illness, and the exposure was caused by someone’s negligence. You may have a premises liability claim or be eligible for workers’ compensation if your injury occurred outside the home. If you are a homeowner, your insurance may cover some of your injury costs.
Compensation is not automatic. You will need to file a claim, and these claims can become complicated, which is why working with an experienced attorney is important. A skilled toxic mold lawyer can:
- Evaluate the strength of your case. Identify liable parties, including landlords, property owners, or maintenance companies. Your attorney can determine whether you have a personal injury claim, product liability claim, or another path to compensation.
- Document your claim effectively. Your attorney can collect evidence, medical records, and environmental reports to establish causation. In many cases, your lawyer will work with expert witnesses and other professionals, who can establish the link between your illness and mold exposure.
- Negotiate with insurers. At Flaxman Law Group, we use insider knowledge of insurance tactics to secure fair compensation. We also have experience with landlord-tenant disputes, so if you are a tenant and your landlord is not removing dangerous mold, we can negotiate with your landlord or property management company on your behalf.
- Pursue litigation if necessary. Many cases are resolved through medication or settlement. If this is not possible, your attorney can take your case to court to ensure you can pursue fair compensation.
Mold related illnesses and health risks can be serious and can affect your life and finances for years. The cost of mold remediation, moving, and health care can be significant, so pursuing a claim is important.
An attorney can also help you if a family member is affected. For example, if your child suffers illness due to mold exposure, an attorney can pursue a claim. If you lose a family member due to mold exposure, you may have a wrongful death claim. An attorney can guide you through the process of securing fair recovery.
Take Action Now
If you suspect mold exposure or are experiencing symptoms linked to mold, take immediate action by seeking medical care and taking photos or any visible mold. Notify landlords and property managers and keep a paper trail of any communication linked to your claim.
It is also important to consult with a toxic mold attorney as soon as you realize your mold exposure will result in losses (such as time missed at work, medical bills, or property damage). When you contact Flaxman Law Group, you will enjoy these benefits:
- Charles or Steven Flaxman Will work directly on your case and will communicate with you throughout.
- Our more than 60 years of combined experience in trial law, insurance, and property law ensures a strategic approach.
- We have recovered nearly $1 billion for clients, with multiple seven-figure outcomes.
- We help with medical referrals, property damage, and more.
Contact Flaxman Law Group to schedule a consultation with experienced Colorado or Florida toxic mold lawyers.