Is Mold the Next Asbestos? by Emily D. Wheeler, Esq.

icMendicold claims began appearing in tort litigation in the mid-1990s. The claims were typically attached to the run of the mill personal injury or construction defect lawsuit. Things have changed. Mold claims are being filed at an increasing rate nationwide against premises owners, contractors, insurance companies, and landlords. The new mold claims focus heavily on personal injuries. Property damage claims also take on greater significance.

Media hype and the increasing number of claims have created a somewhat unjustified "mold hysteria." Various news magazine shows have aired segments regarding the dangers of mold exposure in the last year. Fueled by …