Mold-Related Illnesses In Washington State Construction Accident Claims
The damp climate in the Pacific Northwest allows mold to grow in homes, office buildings, and other structures. It can appear almost overnight, spreads quickly, and causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Unfortunately, ongoing exposure can result in debilitating and potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Construction workers routinely encounter mold as part of their jobs. When related health issues arise as a result, our Issaquah construction accident attorney explains how to get the compensation you deserve.
Mold Poses Major Risks For Washington State Construction Workers
Mold is a microscopic organism that grows in damp climates. There are over a million different types of mold, and while some are relatively harmless, others are highly dangerous and can cause serious adverse health effects for people who breathe in spores.
The Washington State Construction Center for Excellence warns that short-term mold exposure is common in the construction industry and can cause flu-type symptoms, such as watery eyes, runny nose, chest congestion, and body aches and pains. If you have pre-existing breathing disorders, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it can trigger a worsening of your condition. In cases of longer exposure, victims may suffer:
- Chronic bronchitis;
- Pneumonia and other lung infections;
- Sleep disturbances;
- Loss of memory;
- Numbness in limbs and extremities;
- Light sensitivity;
- Increased depression and anxiety.
Unfortunately, construction workers are routinely exposed to mold on the job and often play a significant role in clean-up efforts. As a result, they may suffer mold-related symptoms that are severe and prevent them from working or engaging in other activities.
Compensation For Construction Workers Exposed To Mold In Washington State
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that occasional, short-term mold exposure is unlikely to significantly impact your health unless you already suffer from allergies, asthma, COPD, or other illnesses and chronic health conditions. In this case, it could dramatically increase the severity of your symptoms. When workers, such as those on construction crews, are exposed to mold spores on a regular basis, it can have disabling and potentially life-threatening impacts. In either case, you may be entitled to compensation.
Workers’ compensation in Washington State may be available to cover medical costs and lost wages, but the challenge is in proving your current health condition is mold-related. Workers often have more success in filing a third-party, construction liability claim against contractors, property owners, construction managers, material suppliers, and others involved. They can be held responsible for behavior that increases mold risks, such as:
- Not informing crews of the possibility of mold on the premises;
- Not providing masks and other safety equipment;
- Not providing proper ventilation;
- Not covering wood and other materials or taking other steps to prevent mold in the workplace.
Request A Consultation With Our Issaquah Construction Accident Attorney
Repeated exposure to mold on construction sites can have severe impacts on your health. At Injury Law Group NW, our legal team provides the caring support and experienced, professional legal representation you need to get compensation. To request a consultation, contact our experienced Issaquah construction accident attorney today.
Sources:
constructioncenterofexcellence.com/toolbox-talks/mold-in-construction
epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
