Hollywood FL Toxic Mold Lawyers
In Hollywood, FL, a warm and humid climate combined with severe storms that can damage homes, can create the risk of mold in many homes. While in some cases, this problem is caught early and addressed, in other situations it goes undetected and grows, causing illness for homeowners and tenants.
Mold can flourish in as little as one to two days, so if your home has toxic mold, you will want to act fast. One thing you may want to do is to determine whether you have a claim to pursue compensation that can help you pay for mold remediation or relocation. You can find out more by consulting with the Hollywood, FL toxic mold lawyers at Flaxman Law Group. Reach out today for a consultation.
Why Choose Flaxman Law Group for Mold Cases?
For decades, our family-run firm has been representing clients across South Florida, including right here in Hollywood. Unlike large-volume firms, when you call us, you speak directly to Charles or Steven Flaxman, our father-son attorney team.
Our firm is different because:
- We combine insider insurance knowledge with decades of trial-tested experience. We worked as insurance adjusters and as attorneys representing insurance companies before dedicating ourselves to personal injury law. We know how insurers operate and we use that insider knowledge to help you.
- We’ve recovered nearly $1 billion for injured clients, with results that rival big firms, but we never treat you like a number. You will work with one attorney throughout your case and you will have your attorney’s cell phone number so you can stay in touch.
- We provide hands-on support beyond the courtroom, including help with relocation, property repairs, and medical referrals.
- Our community trust is reflected in our hundreds of 5-star reviews and long history serving Florida families.
We know how disruptive mold exposure can be. The Hollywood, FL toxic mold lawyers at our law offices in Hollywood, Homestead, and Miami are here to help.
Understanding Toxic Mold and its Risks in Hollywood
While the ocean breezes along Hollywood Beach can be refreshing, the same moisture that makes our area lush with plant life also creates perfect conditions for a type of fungus, mold. It allows for mold growth inside homes, condos, and apartments.
Residents may notice mold after heavy rains, flooding from summer storms, or even minor plumbing leaks. Unfortunately, toxic mold can cause serious health and financial consequences.
Toxic mold, including varieties such as Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), thrives in hidden places: behind drywall, under carpeting, or inside ducts and air conditioning units. Hollywood homeowners sometimes discover it only after noticing a musty odor. By the time mold is visible, it has often already spread extensively. The residents of the home may already be feeling unwell and may not realize their illnesses are caused by mold.
In addition to medical problems, black mold can cause extensive property damage. It can “eat through” drywall and other parts of a building, making affected elements damp and no longer structurally sound. Any items it spreads to may be affected and may need to be replaced.
Mold remediation is possible for homes affected by mold, but the process is disruptive and expensive. It may mean disposing of some personal items and removing affected parts of walls and flooring, cleaning the area with special chemicals, and then replacing affected walls, ceilings, and floors.
Common Health Problems Caused by Toxic Mold Exposure
Doctors in South Florida often see patients with unexplained respiratory problems that may trace back to mold exposure. For some, symptoms mimic a persistent cold or allergies: congestion, itchy eyes, coughing. But prolonged exposure to toxic mold can cause more serious conditions.
Children and seniors in Hollywood are especially vulnerable. Pediatricians sometimes link recurring asthma attacks to moldy housing, while older adults may develop chronic lung issues. Other health risks include:
- Severe respiratory distress.
- Lung infection.
- Skin rashes or hives.
- Chronic sinus infections.
- Fatigue and headaches.
- Neurological issues, such as memory problems or dizziness.
One of the challenges for Hollywood residents is that mold-related symptoms can be misdiagnosed, leaving people suffering without answers. If several family members or coworkers develop similar unexplained illnesses, mold exposure may be the cause.
How Toxic Mold Cases Develop in South Florida Properties
Hollywood’s housing mix includes high-rise condos along Ocean Drive, older single-family homes west of I-95, and rental properties scattered throughout neighborhoods like Emerald Hills and Highland Gardens. Each type of property carries unique risks for mold growth:
- Condos and apartments. A leaking roof in one unit can spread moisture to others. When landlords or condo associations delay repairs, they may allow mold to spread throughout the building.
- Older homes. Homes built decades ago often have outdated plumbing. A hidden leak behind the walls can fuel mold growth for months before being discovered.
- Storm damage. South Florida residents know how one hurricane or tropical storm can overwhelm drainage systems. Even a few inches of floodwater in a Hollywood garage or living room can spark widespread mold issues.
These cases often arise because a property owner, landlord, or association failed to act quickly. A simple repair ignored for weeks can turn into a health hazard.
Identifying Parties Responsible for Toxic Mold Damage
In Hollywood, responsibility for mold growth depends on the property type and the cause of the problem:
- Landlords. Under Florida law, landlords must provide safe, habitable housing. If mold grows because they ignored roof leaks or broken air conditioning, they may be liable.
- Condo associations. HOAs and condo associations are often responsible for common areas, including roofs, hallways, and exterior walls. Mold that spreads from these areas can create liability for the board.
- Product manufacturers. If the manufacturers of plumbing pipe, waterproof barriers, or other building materials produce a substandard product that causes mold, they may face a product liability claim.
- Contractors or builders. In some cases, construction defects, such as poor ventilation or faulty waterproofing, lead to recurring mold. The builder or contractor could be held accountable.
In some cases, those who are affected may also have a medical malpractice claim if their doctor refused to investigate the possibility of mold-related illness. In other cases, families who lose a loved one due to a lung infection caused by mold may have a wrongful death claim.
Tenant And Homeowner Rights Under Florida Law
State law requires landlords to maintain properties that are structurally sound and free from conditions that endanger tenants. Mold is often considered such a condition, and it’s a common cause of landlord-tenant disputes.
Tenants in Hollywood may have the right to:
- Demand timely repairs.
- Withhold rent until repairs are made (under strict legal guidelines).
- Seek relocation costs if their unit is uninhabitable.
Homeowners may face battles with insurers instead of landlords. Policies may cover water damage but exclude mold, creating disputes over whether mold damage was truly preventable. Fortunately, the attorney team at Flaxman Law Group worked in the insurance industry before dedicating ourselves to personal injury law. We speak insurers’ language and know how to fight back.
Building a Strong Toxic Mold Injury Case
Proving a toxic mold case requires more than pointing to a patch of mildew on the ceiling. Courts and insurers want evidence that mold caused significant health or property damage, and that someone else is legally responsible. A strong case often includes:
- Medical documentation. You may be able to link your health conditions to mold exposure through doctor reports, lab tests, and treatment records.
- Environmental testing. Professional mold inspections that measure spore levels and identify toxic strains can determine the scope and danger of a specific mold growth.
- Property records. Repair requests, maintenance logs, and correspondence with landlords or associations can support your landlord-tenant dispute claim. If you are a homeowner, documentation of your insurance claims and correspondence with the insurer can determine if your insurance company ignored problems or acted in bad faith.
- Expert testimony. Specialists who can explain how mold exposure occurred and its long-term consequences can show juries and insurance companies why you deserve compensation.
At Flaxman Law Group, we have more than six decades of combined experience. We understand how to collect, preserve, and present this evidence to maximize the strength of your claim.
Contact Flaxman Law Group Today
Get answers to your landlord-tenant questions. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and explore your options.
Speak With a Hollywood Toxic Mold Attorney Today
If you suspect toxic mold in your home, apartment, or workplace, act quickly. Mold spreads in days, and delaying can worsen health problems and weaken your case. Depending on your situation, you may have a premises liability claim, personal injury claim, or the chance to seek insurance benefits.
At Flaxman Law Group, we can help with your claim, whether you have been injured or have suffered property damage due to mold. Even if you’re not sure you have a claim, contact us today for a consultation. We can explain whether you have a claim.
Damages and Compensation for Mold-Related Injuries
Florida law allows victims of mold exposure to pursue compensation for both the visible and less obvious harm caused by another party’s negligence. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses. This can include doctor visits, emergency care, prescription medications, and long-term treatments for respiratory conditions or skin problems caused by mold exposure.
- Lost wages. Many clients tell us they’ve missed days or weeks of work while recovering, or even had to leave jobs permanently because of chronic illness. You may be able to seek recovery for wage loss and future loss of earning potential.
- Property damage. Mold can destroy furniture, clothing, electronics, and irreplaceable family items. Insurance companies often downplay these losses, but we can fight back to help you pay for replacement and mold remediation costs.
- Relocation costs. Households sometimes have to move out temporarily while remediation takes place. Tenants may want to move out permanently if long-term mold issues affect their rental. These costs may be compensable.
- Pain and suffering. Toxic mold can trigger years of discomfort, fear, and disruption. Florida courts recognize these losses, and our law firm ensures you get fair compensation for the way mold has impacted the quality of your life.
Every case is unique. The compensation available depends on the damage done and on the strength of your case.
How Our Hollywood, FL Toxic Mold Lawyers Can Assist You
Without legal guidance, many victims end up paying out of pocket for costs they should not bear. At Flaxman Law Group, we work hard so that doesn’t happen. Our assistance often includes:
- Investigating the source of mold. We work with a network of experts to determine whether the problem arose from poor maintenance, faulty construction, or delayed repairs.
- Gathering evidence. We collect maintenance records, medical documentation, photos, and lab reports to build a strong case.
- Handling insurance disputes. Our attorneys know how insurers try to limit payouts because we’ve worked inside the industry ourselves. We anticipate their tactics and take care of all communication with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Negotiating settlements. We aim to resolve cases fairly and efficiently, but we’re fully prepared to take a case to court if necessary.
- Supporting you beyond the claim. Families often need help with finding temporary housing, arranging medical referrals, or navigating property repairs. We see our role as including these services, even though most law firms do not help in these ways.
Many of our Hollywood clients tell us they felt overwhelmed before reaching out. Once we stepped in, they could finally focus on healing while we handled the legal and insurance battles.
What To Do if You Discover Toxic Mold in Your Home
Taking the right steps quickly can protect your health and strengthen your legal options. Here’s what you will want to do:
- Document the mold. Take clear photos and videos of the affected areas. If possible, include timestamps. This evidence may be vital later.
- Seek medical evaluation. See a doctor immediately and mention potential mold exposure. Mention any symptoms you have, but also keep in mind that some symptoms may be subtle. Your doctor may want to evaluate your lungs and respiratory health. Try to get copies of your medical records and make sure they include mention of possible mold exposure.
- Notify your landlord, insurer, or HOA. Put your complaint in writing and keep a copy. Under Florida law, landlords and condo boards have specific responsibilities to address hazards like mold.
- Avoid DIY removal. Store-bought cleaners may mask the problem but rarely eliminate toxic mold, especially if the mold has spread under surface areas and behind walls or into HVAC systems. Improper cleaning can spread spores, making the situation worse.
- Preserve damaged items. Don’t discard destroyed furniture or clothing until your lawyer advises. These items may serve as evidence. However, you may want to remove them from your living area.
- Consult an attorney. The sooner you involve a Hollywood, FL toxic mold lawyer, the sooner you’ll have information on protecting your rights.
Hollywood’s humidity means that mold spreads fast. Acting quickly is important to protect yourself.
Why Clients Choose Flaxman Law Group for Mold Cases
There are many Hollywood, FL toxic mold lawyers in the South Florida area. However, many residents choose us for our unique approach:
- Family-run advocacy. When you call, you’ll speak directly with Charles or Steven Flaxman. You’ll have direct access to the attorneys handling your case, start to finish.
- Insurance insider knowledge. With decades of experience, including work in insurance defense and adjusting, we know exactly how insurers delay, deny, or minimize mold claims. We use that knowledge to push for maximum recovery.
- Big results with personal care. Our firm has recovered nearly $1 billion for injured clients. That includes seven-figure results in complex cases. Yet we never treat clients like numbers. Each case gets personal attention.
- Full-service support. Toxic mold disrupts every aspect of life. Unlike many firms, we assist clients with housing issues, medical referrals, and property damage.
- Community trust: With a near-perfect 4.9-star Google rating and decades of service in South Florida, our reputation is built on compassion and results.
Hollywood families trust us not only to deliver legal victories but also to stand beside them through every stage of recovery. We’re active members of the Hollywood community and we genuinely care about the neighbors who become our clients.
Speak With A Hollywood Toxic Mold Attorney Today
If you suspect toxic mold has harmed your health or damaged your property, waiting can make the problem worse. The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the sooner you can start protecting your rights.
Contact Flaxman Law Group today to schedule your case review. Let our family fight for yours.
FREE CASE REVIEW
50+ Years of Combined Experience,
Personal Attention to Every Case
Testimonials
4.9
(386 Reviews)
"Friendly and professional customer service. From the receptionist to the paralegals, everyone makes you feel comfortable. Best firm I’ve ever dealt with."
- Catherine M.
"Thank you! This guy is great and really knows what he is doing. I've had to hire several people throughout the years for similar services and Mr. Flaxman is the best by far. I would recommend him to anyone.”
- Jeff W.
"Very prompt reply. Confident in his abilities. Educated me so I wasn't overwhelmed with the lingo. Very personable. Thank you again for helping me out Mr. Flaxman!!"
- Tayla M.
Hollywood, FL Practice Areas
Landlord-Tenant Dispute Clients Often Ask Us
These Important Questions
A landlord can typically keep all or part of your security deposit to cover unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other lease violations. However, they must provide an itemized list of deductions and return any remaining amount within a specific timeframe, as required by local laws.
Landlords must always provide notice and cannot evict without going through proper court process, unless the lease or local laws specify otherwise. For example, in cases of criminal activity or immediate danger to the property, the landlord may proceed with an expedited eviction. Always check your lease and local tenant laws for specific requirements.
If your landlord fails to address necessary repairs after you've notified them in writing, you may have options such as:
Withholding rent (where allowed by law).
Making the repair yourself and deducting the cost from your rent. Reporting the issue to local housing authorities.
Seeking legal remedies in court. Document all communication and the condition of the property to strengthen your case.
The length of the eviction process varies depending on local laws and the circumstances of the case. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Generally, the process involves:
- A formal notice period.
- Filing of an eviction lawsuit.
- A court hearing.
- Enforcement of the eviction by local authorities, if necessary.
- Tenants may appeal or request delays, which can extend the timeline.
Landlord-Tenant Practice Areas
Broad Experience in Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Skillfully navigated complex landlord-tenant conflicts, advocating for fair resolutions and protecting clients’ rights in rental and lease agreements.
Protecting Tenant Rights:
Helped hundreds of tenants recover withheld security deposits, terminate leases, transfer units, or obtain alternative housing in cases involving habitability issues.
Preventing Wrongful Evictions:
Represented tenants to successfully block unlawful eviction attempts, ensuring their housing rights were upheld.
Advocating for Landlords:
Assisted landlords in evicting problematic tenants and recovering compensation for property damages, lost income, and other related losses.