Toxic-Mold Suit to Yield $495,000 in Workers’ Compensation Payouts

By Daniel Hawn

Published on December 18, 2006

Though Volusia County officials never found evidence of toxic mold, more than a third of the jail’s employees filed workers’ compensation complaints in 2003, claiming breathing difficulties, skin rashes, and other conditions.

An expert hired by the complainants’ attorney found toxic mold problems at the jail so serious that they could, in his opinion, result in chronic bronchitis, asthma, or even cancer.

County inspectors have denied toxic mold claims, admitting instead that the building suffered from a leaky roof, water intrusion, and aging air conditioners. Additionally, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was unable to find any health risks.

Still, pending county approval, each of the 97 complainants will receive approximately $5,000 as a settlement, at which time they also will sign an agreement declaring the jail was not a sick building.

Considering the possible litigation costs of pursuing all 97 cases, Volusia County officials view the $495,000 settlement as a win for the county.

Comment on this article →