Is an employer liable for mold exposure?

Author: Verdie Rosenbaum  |  Last update: Monday, November 24, 2025

For safety reasons, your employer is required to correct and repair any areas that could potentially cultivate toxic mold. If you suffer any illnesses related to being exposed to mold on the job, you'll need to speak with your employer regarding a Worker's Compensation claim, which you should be eligible to file.

Is the employer responsible for mold exposure?

So, under OSHA's General Duty Clause, employers must take steps to minimize exposure to mold once they are aware of it. If mold has developed because of poor ventilation or leaks, for example, an employer may be held accountable—especially if it poses a serious risk to health.

Can I sue my employer for toxic mold exposure?

You wont be able to sue your employer directly for the mold as it would be covered by w/c. this would require your doctors to specifically state that the medical problems you have are caused by the work environment. this is a very tough standard. you need legal help.

How do you prove mold exposure?

How do doctors test for mold? Some of the commonly prescribed medical tests for mold sickness are Mycotoxin testing, IGE testing, Scratch Allergy testing GI testing, and DNA testing. Your doctor will often use your environmental report to identify the appropriate corresponding medical test.

How much can you sue for mold exposure?

Judgments and settlements awarded to tenants suffering from mold can vary but can be several thousands of dollars or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending upon whether the landlord was negligent, and the severities of the health problems caused by mold.

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Is it hard to win a mold lawsuit?

Toxic mold lawsuits are particularly complicated, as they often involve multiple causes of action, can implicate a wide range of potential defendants, and require specific medical and scientific expertise.

What are the signs of mold toxicity?

What are symptoms and effects of mold exposure?
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure?

According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.

How do I start a mold lawsuit?

In order to establish causation, the plaintiff must prove both “general causation,” that the particular species of mold is capable of causing the plaintiff's specific injury, and “specific causation,” that the plaintiff was in fact exposed to a dose of the alleged toxic mold sufficient to cause the plaintiff's injury.

Is mold an OSHA violation?

Is Mold an OSHA Violation? Well, yes and no. There is no mold-specific OSHA standard. Additionally, no federal agency – not OSHA, NIOSH, the CDC, or the EPA – has created recommendations or limits on specific airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores.

Can a doctor do anything for mold exposure?

Treatment for Mold Exposure

A doctor will be able to determine whether mold exposure is indeed causing your allergic reactions or if it's likely that another health condition is responsible. For mold allergies, treatments usually include nasal corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants.

Who pays for mold damage?

Through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), FEMA may provide funds to address damage from mold. If you are a homeowner, you may receive Home Repair funds for clean up, removal, or remediation of disaster-caused mold.

Can I call OSHA if my company is doing nothing about mold?

If you believe that there is a mold hazard, you have the right to file a complaint with Federal OSHA or, in states with OSHA-approved state plans, the state occupational safety and Page 18 health agency.

Can you sue a company for mold?

If your home was repaired by a company or licensed professionals then you could have a lawsuit against them for your damages related to that repair and the toxic mold you have been exposed to.

How do you prove mold is making you sick?

If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing or other bothersome symptoms that persist, see your doctor.

Can you recover from black mold exposure?

The best way to feel better if you have black mold allergy symptoms is to get out of the moldy environment and avoid any continued exposure. You can also take prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help relieve your symptoms.

What happens if you breathe in mold for a long time?

Chronic Fatigue: Mold forces your body to work harder, leading to persistent fatigue, especially in those with pre-existing conditions. Lung Issues: Prolonged exposure can cause lasting damage to lung function.

What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?

However, some common signs that may indicate mold exposure include: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and frequent sinus infections. Rashes, itching, burning sensations, and persistent skin irritation.

How to tell if mold is behind drywall?

Musty Smell

If you think there's mold in your walls, get on your hands and knees and smell the electrical outlets. This might sound silly, but it may help you sense mold if it's growing within walls. Outlets have better access to the area behind the walls. Thus, smelling them can help identify the mold problem.

Is it safe to sleep in a room with mold on the wall?

A: Sleeping in a mouldy room is not advisable. Mould can release spores that, when inhaled during sleep, may lead to respiratory issues and allergies. These can disrupt your sleep and harm your overall health.

What kills mold in the body?

Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.

Can you go to urgent care for mold exposure?

Once the source of mold is uncovered and cleaned, you should seek medical treatment– whether or not you have begun to develop symptoms. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, visiting an urgent care center is a great option to receive same-day diagnosis and care.

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