Neurosurgeons sue landlord after mold and mildew closes part of their building

GRETNA – A group of local neurosurgeons is suing their landlord for economic damages they claim came from environmental damages to the building they were leasing.

Southern Brain and Spine filed suit against Lillibridge Heathcare Services Inc. and East Jefferson General Hospital in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 22.

Southern Brain and Spine claims the defendants as owners and operators of the building they inhabited did not timely remediate water damage in the building that resulted in mold and mildew.

The plaintiff alleges that due to the water damage and mold problems many of the rooms of the building could not be used.  Southern Brain and Spine asserts that in Feb. 2012 a demolition service began renovating the affected rooms including removing moisture and mold and mildew damaged drywall.

The plaintiffs allege that during the demolition and renovation the other areas of the building were inadequately protected from mold and mildew spores.

The defendant is accused of failing to use ordinary care of maintenance, failing to adequately supervise demolition and remediation work, failing to finish renovation within reasonable time period, failing to adhere to standards necessary in a hot and humid environment, failing to timely remove damaged materials, failing to disclose dangers of using insufficient material in healthcare facilities, failing to hire contractors with necessary licenses and certificates, failing to engage in competent remediation, allowing contractors to apply chemicals to kill mold and mildew without the proper licenses and failing to correct deficiencies in the building’s design.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for disrupted business, lost profits, loss of use and economic damages.

Southern Brain and Spine is represented by James M. Garner of New Orleans-based Sher, Garner, Cahill, Richter, Klein & Hilbert.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.

Case no. 723-119