Can I Sue My Landlord For Radon Exposure
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can be found in soils and rocks, and can enter into buildings through cracks and openings in foundations. Radon exposure is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, and it is estimated that in the United States alone, about 21,000 deaths per year can be attributed to radon exposure. If you have been exposed to radon in your rental property, you may be wondering if you can sue your landlord for radon exposure.
Can I Sue My Landlord For Radon Exposure?
The short answer is yes, you can sue your landlord if they were aware of the radon exposure in your rental property and did nothing to address it. In many cases, landlords are obligated to inform tenants of any known radon levels, and to take steps to reduce the levels if necessary. If your landlord failed to do this, you may be able to sue for damages related to your exposure to the gas.
What Laws Apply to Radon Exposure?
Laws that apply to radon exposure vary from state to state. Generally speaking, however, landlords are required to disclose any known levels of radon in the building, and to take steps to reduce those levels if they are above the recommended limits. In some states, landlords are required to install radon mitigation systems if the gas levels exceed certain thresholds.
What Kind of Damages Can I Sue For?
If you are able to successfully prove that your landlord was negligent in addressing the radon exposure in your rental property, you may be able to sue for a variety of damages. These could include medical expenses related to your exposure, lost wages due to missed work, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages. The exact damages you may be able to sue for will depend on the laws in your state, as well as the specific facts of your case.
What Do I Need To Prove My Case?
In order to prove your case, you will need to be able to demonstrate that your landlord was aware of the radon levels in your rental property and failed to take steps to reduce them. This could include evidence such as tests that show high levels of radon in the building, or records that show that your landlord was aware of the gas levels and failed to take action. You will also need to be able to prove that your exposure to the gas caused you to suffer damages, such as medical expenses or lost wages.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Been Exposed To Radon?
If you think you may have been exposed to radon, the first step is to contact your landlord and ask them to take steps to reduce the levels of the gas in your rental property. If they refuse to do this, or if you believe they are not addressing the issue adequately, you should contact a lawyer who can help you to determine if you have a case against your landlord.
In conclusion, if you have been exposed to radon in your rental property and your landlord has failed to take steps to reduce the levels of the gas, you may be able to sue for damages related to your exposure. You will need to be able to prove that your landlord was aware of the problem and failed to address it, as well as prove that you suffered damages as a result. If you believe you have a case against your landlord, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer who can help you to build your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.