Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. In homes, schools, and workplaces it’s a serious health concern that often goes unnoticed. In Florida, you might have a claim if you become ill or develop lung cancer due to radon exposure that was caused by someone’s negligence.
If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer and think workplace conditions or radon exposure may have been the cause, contact Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to set up a free accident consultation with a personal injury lawyer. We can review what may have caused your condition, whether you have a claim, and how much that claim could be worth.
What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas formed when uranium decays in soil and rocks. It enters homes through the ground and can accumulate to dangerous levels, especially in today’s more weather-sealed homes. Radon can be inhaled, where it can harm lung tissue. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It’s responsible for thousands of deaths across the country each year. Smokers who are also exposed to radon face an even higher risk.
Florida’s geological composition contributes to higher radon levels in certain areas. The state’s porous limestone and sand can make it easier for radon gas to escape into homes. The Florida Department of Health strongly recommends testing homes for radon.
Fortunately, testing for radon is a straightforward process. Usually, you just put a radon testing kit in the lowest livable area of a home. Short-term and long-term testing options are available, giving you a snapshot and a more extended assessment of radon levels, respectively. If elevated levels are detected, it’s important to take remediation steps to reduce radon concentrations.
Do I Have a Right to Compensation?
In Florida, home sellers are required to disclose material defects that could affect the value of the property. If your landlord or seller failed to disclose any known radon problems with the property or any problems they should have known about and you were injured as a result, you may have a claim.
Another source of exposure can be schools and workplaces. If you were exposed in a space such as a workplace, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits or other compensation.
Unfortunately, proving a link between radon and lung cancer can be difficult because there are many potential causes of lung cancer. Here’s what you’ll want to do to protect your rights to compensation:
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of radon test results and any evidence of non-disclosure. Keep any communication you have from the home seller, landlord, employer, or any other potential liable party.
- Seek medical treatment. New treatments for lung cancer are being created all the time. Your first priority is of course your health, and you’ll want to follow doctor’s orders to increase your chance of recovery.
- Talk to a Florida personal injury attorney. It’s often difficult to tell whether you even have a claim without talking to a lawyer. Set up a free accident consultation with an attorney at Flaxman Law Group for an honest evaluation of your situation.
When To Call Flaxman Law Group
If you discover radon issues in your home or have been diagnosed with lung cancer after potentially being exposed to radon in the workplace, this is a complex situation. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon situation in Hollywood and in many parts of Florida.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online. We have more than 60 years of combined experience and a father-son attorney team who are passionate about providing thorough and personalized legal approaches. We’re proud to offer free accident consultations to anyone who’s been injured, so give us a call if you’d like to talk about your potential claim.