Termites. They are a significant problem here in Mobile, and the people you hire to safeguard your home may be more interested in their profits than your protection. You may need a lawyer and need that lawyer now.

I am sure you have heard of the historic $60 million Terminix settlement to Alabama customers. Many of those customers are local people who trusted Terminix but watched as wood-eating bugs destroyed their homes. And if you think there were no real misdeeds, let me assure you that a company does not pay out that kind of money if they do not have to.

Now another termite problem is emerging.

When you buy a house in Alabama, the seller is required to give you a “wood infestation inspection report.” In this report, a qualified inspector should state any active or previous signs of termites. Though this written form is usually provided, the actual inspection may be subpar or have never happened at all.

Let me give you an example. A young Baldwin County couple bought their first home. They knew little of home repairs or structural details. A few years into owning the house, termites appeared. Come to find out, infestation occurred before, but they were never told. The couple says they would not have gone through with the sale if they had known. Now they face thousands of dollars, perhaps even 100 thousand dollars, in repairs.

Here is my advice. Inspect your home for termites. Then take action. Did you have termite protection? Was the sale appropriately handled?

One final piece of advice, you cannot call us too soon.

If you suffer a personal loss like termite damage or a personal injury like an auto accident, railroad accident, or slip and fall, you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet.

Also, join us on NBC 15 LawCall here in Mobile. We are live  Saturday night at 6 during the Olympics  and will take your calls. We are experimenting with new ways to do the show and still follow the CDC guidelines. You might want to see what we are doing.

Allen Ritchie

Mobile Personal Injury Attorney

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