Your home should be a safe place for you and your family. Unfortunately, some homes contain hidden dangers that can make you sick. Lead paint, mold, and other toxic substances can cause serious health problems, especially for children and older adults.
If you’re a renter in New Jersey and these hazards are making you sick, your landlord may be responsible. Understanding your rights and knowing what to do can help protect your health and get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Toxic Hazards in Homes
Lead Paint Dangers
Many homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. Lead is extremely dangerous, especially for children. When old paint peels, chips, or turns to dust, people can breathe it in or accidentally eat it.
Lead poisoning in children can cause:
- Learning problems and lower test scores
- Trouble paying attention
- Hearing and speech delays
- Behavioral issues
Adults can also be harmed by lead exposure, developing high blood pressure, kidney problems, or fertility issues.
Mold Problems
Mold grows in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, or anywhere water leaks occur. When mold spores float through the air, they can cause health problems such as:
- Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes
- Asthma attacks or breathing difficulties
- Chronic cough or sinus infections
- Skin irritation
Some types of mold, like black mold, can be especially dangerous with long-term exposure.
Other Household Toxins
Homes may also contain asbestos, carbon monoxide from faulty heating systems, or chemical residues from improper cleaning or storage. All of these can affect your breathing, nervous system, or cause other serious health issues.
What Landlords Must Do
In New Jersey, landlords have a legal duty to keep rental properties safe and livable. This means they must:
- Fix leaks, water damage, and structural problems quickly
- Address mold growth and ventilation issues
- Deal with peeling or chipping lead paint properly
- Make sure heating, plumbing, and air systems work correctly
- Follow state and local laws about lead paint disclosure
When landlords ignore these responsibilities and tenants get sick, the landlord can be held legally responsible.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Toxic exposure can cause immediate symptoms or develop slowly over time. Watch for signs like:
- Constant coughing or breathing problems
- Frequent headaches or nausea
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Children having trouble in school or behavioral changes
- Allergic reactions that won’t go away
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially in multiple family members, seek medical help right away. Early treatment can prevent more serious health problems.
Your Legal Options
If toxic exposure in your rental home has made you or your family sick, you have several legal options:
Personal Injury Claims
You can file a lawsuit against your landlord if their negligence caused your health problems. You may be able to recover money for:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing medical monitoring if needed
Housing Code Violations
Most toxic exposures violate housing codes. Reporting problems to local authorities creates an official record that can strengthen your legal case.
Property Damage Claims
You may also be able to get compensation for personal belongings damaged by mold, water leaks, or other hazardous conditions.
Steps to Take Right Now
If you suspect toxic exposure in your home:
Document Everything
Take photos of peeling paint, mold growth, water stains, or any other problems you see. Date the photos and keep them safe.
Notify Your Landlord in Writing
Send a letter or email describing the problem and asking for repairs. Keep copies of all communications.
Get Medical Care
See a doctor and explain that you think your home environment might be making you sick. Ask for tests for lead exposure or other toxins if appropriate.
Keep All Records
Save medical bills, test results, repair requests, and any other paperwork related to the problem.
Get Legal Help
An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and take the right steps to protect your family.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Toxic exposure cases can be complicated. Landlords and insurance companies often try to avoid responsibility by claiming:
- The problem wasn’t their fault
- You didn’t report it properly
- Your health issues came from something else
The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone can help by:
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Working with medical experts to document your injuries
- Negotiating with landlords and insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary to get you fair compensation
Protect Your Family’s Health and Rights
Toxic exposure can cause permanent health problems, especially in children. The longer you wait to address the issue, the worse the health effects can become and the harder it may be to prove your case.
If you or your family have been harmed by toxic conditions in your rental home, don’t try to handle it alone. Contact The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a consultation.
We’ll help you understand your rights, take the necessary steps to protect your health, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Your family’s health and safety are too important to ignore.