8435 W Burleigh St    Milwaukee, WI 53222
414-873-6550    
You are here: Home / Blog

How (and When) to Check for Mold in Your Home

by

Has your home started smelling a little musty lately? If so, it’s probably in your best interest to learn how to check for mold.

The truth is, mold growth is a more common problem in Milwaukee than you may imagine. Mold spores grow anywhere where there is moisture, and it doesn’t take them long to form colonies.

There are almost 1,000 types of household mold, and many of them pose a significant health risk to you and your family. If it’s not dealt with in time, a mold outbreak can also be very costly to address.

the word mold on white background

Not sure whether you have something to worry about? Here is what you need to know about testing for mold in your home.

Mold Indicators

First, let’s go over the more obvious signs you’re dealing with mold issues.

The biggest indicator of mold is actual, visible mold growth. In this situation, the only question is “How much?” Remember: The visible mold is usually just a fraction of what you’re actually up against.

Musty and damp smells are also surefire signs of mold growth. Now, in-house mold has a very distinctive odor. If you’ve dealt with mold in the past, you’d probably be able to recognize the smell immediately.

Finally, there are the actual health problems. If you’re living in a mold-laden environment, you may develop symptoms, such as stuffy nose, rashes, sore throat, and eye irritation.

How to Check for Mold

If you suspect mold growth, it’s time to run some tests.

The first thing you should do is turn off your HVAC system and any house fans. In doing so, you’re reducing the chance of spores spreading to other locations in your house.

Then, start checking the popular hiding places for mold growth. These include carpets (and carpet pads), ceiling tiles, pipes, and ductwork. Bathrooms and basements can also be perfect mold incubators.

Keep in mind that checking for mold can be somewhat of a hide-and-seek game. Even if you can’t find any mold, keep trusting your nose.

If you’re forced to resort to looking behind walls, it may be time to consult a professional. This is particularly true if you suspect the problem is caused by a recent roof leak or flooding.

Prevention Methods

If none of these tests yield results, you can be sure you don’t have any mold in your home. Congratulations! However, you’re not out of the woods yet.

You see, keeping mold out is much harder than you may think. Instead, you should aim for making it less welcome. The solution is simple: control your sources of moisture.

Now, this doesn’t just mean keeping an eye on your plumbing. For example, steam from bathing and cooking can also encourage mold growth. Condensation is a fairly common problem as well.

Mold-Related Injuries

Can mold kill you? Though these situations are fairly rare, they do happen.

Some types of mold—such as black mold—are capable of causing serious health issues. That’s the main reason why it’s important to know how to check for mold.

In some situations, the presence of mold in your home or workplace can be caused by a third party. For instance, mold growth could be a byproduct of an underlying construction defect.

Have you suffered a mold-related injury in Milwaukee due to a third party’s negligence? If so, you’re entitled to monetary compensation. Contact our office to see if you should hire a toxic mold lawyer to represent your case.

What to Do When Your Teen Is in a Car Accident

by

While teens make up just 7% of the American population, they’re responsible for over 10% of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries.

During their first half a year of driving alone, teens are eight times more likely to die in a collision than more experienced drivers. Therefore, it’s always a relief to find out that your child survived a car accident. But, even so, your entire family is still left to deal with the aftermath.

Car accident on the street

Let’s look at what steps you should take within 48 hours after the crash.

Reach out to the Authorities

After a crash, your teen should move your car just enough so it doesn’t obstruct traffic. Then they need to contact the police immediately.

Why reach out to authorities? For starters, the other party may become extremely agitated. Police officers can restrain the other driver if the situation escalates. Plus, agreements between drivers usually don’t end well. Just because someone claims they’ll cover the costs doesn’t mean they actually will. The other driver may end up denying the accident even took place.

Take Notes and Photos of the Car Accident

Documenting everything before the tow trucks show up will prove vital to your teen’s case. Remember:

  • Pictures of the accident and any resulting injuries can serve as proof later in court. You want to include photos of any skid marks, and you want at least one shot of the license plate and damage in the same picture.
  • Exchange names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers with the other driver, and get a hold of witnesses.
  • Have your teen write down the officer’s name and badge number after the police arrive.
  • If the driver of the other party wasn’t in the car during the collision, advise your teen to leave a note with their information. Otherwise, your child may face hit-and-run charges later.

Get Medical Treatment for Your Teen

Some teens refuse to seek medical treatment after a car accident. This is especially the case if they don’t feel like there’s anything wrong with them. But not all injuries are immediately apparent, so it’s vital your teen be examined. Medical professionals can uncover issues related to head trauma or internal bleeding.

Also, hold on to any medical expense documents related to the accident.

Speak with Your Insurance Company

The next step involves filing an insurance claim. If you fail to call the insurance company soon enough, they might deny your claim altogether. Remember to be as truthful as possible throughout the entire process, but avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as doing so may imply guilt.

Contact an Attorney

Going through the claims process without help can be very stressful, but a car accident attorney can fill you in on your options and answer any questions you may have. They can also interact with insurance companies on your behalf.

Try asking an attorney the following questions before hiring them:

  • What do you specialize in?
  • How much experience do you have?
  • Do you ever deal with cases like this?
  • What do you think about my case?
  • What is your approach to handling these types of cases?

Feel free to meet with several lawyers, and choose the one that’s best suited to handle your case.

Final Thoughts

Following the steps outlined above ensures that you and your family get through this experience swiftly. Keep in mind that your teen should never admit fault. Claims adjusters will determine fault after reviewing and analyzing all the evidence.

Looking for an experienced and knowledgeable car accident lawyer in the Milwaukee area to assist you with your claim? If so, make sure to reach out to Gebhard Law today!

3 Times You Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Milwaukee

by

Were you recently involved in a major accident in Wisconsin? If so, you are not alone. there are an estimated 40,000 significant car accidents each year in the state.

And these accidents are not victim-less occurrences. Major accidents are often followed by major consequences.

In many cases, the victim suffers from a long-term, debilitating injury. The injuries suffered may be accompanied by large medical bills and time missed from work too. And in the worst-case scenarios, the injuries negatively affect quality of life, from a physical and financial perspective.

graphic for injury claim

If you are the victim of a life-altering accident, now is the time to find the best personal injury lawyer Milwaukee has to offer. Read on to learn three times when hiring a personal injury lawyer is right for you.

1. When Hospitalization and Long-Term Treatment Is Required

The first sign that you should contact a personal injury lawyer is hospitalization. The primary drivers of medical costs are quality of insurance and duration of a hospital stay. Depending on insurance, your financial liability likely includes meeting a deductible, co-payments, and coinsurance. As the time ticks on your hospital stay, the medical costs are growing in parallel.

From a medical perspective, the next indicator is the follow-up care. Things to consider include:

  • Do you require a cast, brace, or the use of other medical accessories?
  • Are you required to attend recurring physical therapy sessions?
  • Were you prescribed medication to help alleviate your symptoms?

Answering in the affirmative to any of these questions means the medical bills are piling up. If this is the case, finding the most qualified personal injury lawyer Milwaukee has to offer is a prudent decision.

2. When You Are Forced to Miss Work

Another sign that you need a personal injury lawyer is missed work. If you are in the hospital for an extended period of time, that means you are incapable of working. Missing work means a loss of income.

This is an issue that only gets more complicated over time. If your recovery includes recurring physical therapy, there may be more absence from work. And if the injury is debilitating, you may no longer be capable of working at all.

Lastly, your employer may have no choice but to hire a replacement if you miss an extended period of time. If this occurs, there is no job for you to return to.

3. When Another Party Is to Blame for Your Injury

This is a critical ingredient for a financial settlement to be reached. For a settlement to be legally feasible, demonstrable negligence must accompany the physical or financial loss.

In order to prove that a person or institution is at fault for your loss, the court requires evidence. In addition, there are certain legal standards that must be met for the evidence to be permissible in court. Proving negligence can be difficult, and you need an expert in your corner.

Protect Your Rights with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Major accidents are difficult experiences. The reality, however, is that the aftermath of an accident can be worse than the accident itself.

A debilitating injury or losing your job are just two negative consequences that can result from an accident. In a bid to rectify the hand you were dealt, hiring a personal injury lawyer is strongly recommended.

These legal professionals specialize in navigating the complexities of personal injury claims, advocating for your rights, and striving for the compensation you deserve.

By enlisting the services of a reputable lawyer, such as those found on the WeFightYourBattle.com website, you gain a powerful ally who will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

They work diligently to gather evidence, assess damages, and build a compelling case to support your claim.

With their expertise and dedication, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities, ultimately helping you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

If you were the victim of a major accident and need assistance, please contact Gebhard Lawtoday to schedule a consultation.

7 Signs That Toxic Black Mold has Invaded Your Home

by

Looking for a warm and fuzzy cuddle buddy? You won’t find it in toxic black mold, which, despite its fuzzy appearance, is anything but your best friend. It’s a homeowner’s worst enemy. And unfortunately, black mold is a problem that can be hard to spot initially. If left unaddressed, it can quickly cause massive problems for both your home and your household.

Here’s a rundown of the seven signs that toxic black mold has invaded your home.

1. Smell

A common first indicator that black mold has reared its ugly head in your home is a horrid musty smell. This is a major indicator that you need to act quickly to prevent health issues.

2. Skin

Starting to feel an itch or two? Or three? This may be a sign you’ve got toxic black mold around you.

Black mold can lead to uncomfortable rashes if you’re allergic to it. You may even experience swelling, inflammation, and hives if your mold allergy is bad enough.

3. Fatigue

Sure, life itself can make you feel tired. But if you’re feeling chronically tired, then the culprit may be the black mold lurking in your residence.

You’ll probably feel more weak and fatigued when the weather is humid. Meanwhile, you’ll experience some relief when you’re around fresh air or air conditioning.

Slow reflexes may also indicate a mold issue, as the neurons in your brain are being attacked. Your muscles might also suffer from uncomfortable spasms due to black mold.

4. Stains

Don’t just pay attention to how you feel when investigating the presence of mold in your house. Pay attention to what you see. For instance, you may see a stained patch or spot on a wall. A seemingly small stain can spell big problems down the road if you do not get it checked out.

5. Cough

If you feel like you’re coughing up a lung, then mold may be the cause. You might also experience sinus congestion or shortness of breath.

If you have lung disease or immune suppression, you are especially at risk of fungal infections.

6. Focusing Issues

Thanks to the distractions of technology, focusing is hard enough in modern society without having black mold add salt to the wound. Unfortunately, black mold can make it that much harder to concentrate. And it’s not just because the idea of having a mold infestation is enough to give anybody an anxiety attack. It’s because toxic black mold can literally affect your brain, thus causing memory loss.

Toxins from the mold, known as trichothecene mycotoxins, can make you feel confused and foggy. Unsurprisingly, black mold can also result in migraines.

7. Wall Discoloration

You want your life to be colorful, but not the kind of colorfulness that black mold has to offer. Seeing strange colors around the house is an indicator that you have a problem with mold, which can cause wall discoloration.

How We Can Help with Toxic Black Mold

If you’ve suffered harm to your health due to a mold infestation in Milwaukee that resulted from another party’s negligence, we can help you to seek justice. Find out how a toxic mold lawyer can assist you in pursuing the monetary compensation to which you are entitled.

7 Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents in Winter

by

When winter arrives in Milwaukee, the roads can be covered in snow and ice. These icy temperatures cause a great number of car accidents in winter. With these seven tips, you can make the necessary precautions and preparations to avoid car accidents when the weather is cold and the roads are slick.

1. Get Winter Tires

You should definitely have winter tires if you’re driving around in the winter in Milwaukee. Many people put off getting winter tires because of the cost of buying them. And while it’s true that winter tires can be expensive, they’re worth the expense to avoid an accident.

If you really can’t afford any winter tires, there are alternatives. For instance, by purchasing the more affordable all-weather tires, you can ensure greater safety when driving in winter weather. When temperatures hit an extreme cold, all-season tires simply won’t do the job.

car crash collision accident on an city road in winter

2. Keep Your Distance

Keeping your distance from other vehicles on the road is always important, but it is especially so in the winter. It’s amazing how many accidents could have been prevented by keeping away from the car in front.

There is also a simple rule to follow: If you’re driving at over 30 miles per hour, then keep at least 3 car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you’re driving at over 50 mph, then you should keep a distance of at least 6 car lengths.

3. Drive Slowly

Everyone knows that you have greater control of the vehicle when you’re driving slower. In low temperatures with snow and ice on the roads, you should be dropping your speed by at least 30 mph.

Even when the snow has melted, the roads may be even more slippery than they appear. By not driving too fast, you can avoid car accidents.

4. Don’t Take Risks

We all take risks occasionally when driving. This is especially the case on roads that we use on a regular basis. However, when it comes to the right turn you take every morning, think twice about it. In the winter, you need to allow yourself more time and space for everything.

5. Find Traction on the Roads

In the winter on the road, there might be moments when you have to make an emergency stop. In these circumstances, you should try to find traction on the roads so that your tires have something to grip on to. This could be the areas on the side of the road with lots of thick snow.

6. If You Crash, Move Away

Car accidents in winter are inevitable. While we can reduce the impact with many of these tips, the roads are too unpredictable to eliminate collisions altogether. However, if you’re unfortunate enough to crash your vehicle, move away from the car as soon as possible. This is because the same conditions that caused you to crash could cause another driver to do the same.

Get away from the vehicle and find yourself a warm place to wait for the emergency services.

7. Let the Emergency Services Handle Car Accidents in Winter

In winter conditions, it can always be tempting to be a good neighbor and help others. However, this can sometimes cause greater problems along the way. You may hold up traffic and create further car accidents on the road.

The best thing to do is to make sure you follow these precautions to keep yourself and your family safe on the roads. After you’ve done this, leave it to the emergency services to carry out their work without disruption.

Contact a Lawyer

Have you been involved in a winter car accident in Milwaukee? Do you need a lawyer? We specialize in personal injury cases and can provide you with legal advice. For more information, get in touch with us today.

Gebhard Law Office