GRETNA – An apartment tenant alleges the presence of mold caused her to become sick.
Tiffanie Victoria Jones filed a suit Dec. 27 against Oak Creek Apartments LLC and 1st Lake Properties Inc in the 24th Judicial District Court.
According to the claim, Jones into the Oak Creek Apartments June 19, and began to feel weak, fatigued and struggled from difficulty breathing. The plaintiff allegedly contacted the property manager to complain of mold damages, but the manager allegedly made no effort for more than two weeks.
On July 7, the suit says, an inspector found there was mold growing in the closet and, shortly afterward, Jones began to suffer from a lung infection caused by the mold and drove herself to the hospital where she was treated for 10 days.
In August, the plaintiff says she requested that a professional inspector investigate the apartment, but the defendant's employees refused, stating that it would be too expensive. When the defendant offered that the plaintiff switch apartments, the suit says, Jones discovered the presence of bugs and mold in the new apartment. She soon began suffering hives and angioedema, as well as an ear infection, the lawsuit states.
After receiving more medical treatment, Jones tried a third apartment in the complex but also found mold inside, the lawsuit states. The plaintiff was forced to the hospital for further treatment of her lung infection, and Sept. 27, the lawsuit says, she was informed she could not remain in the apartment any longer.
On Dec. 2, the suit says, a microbial assessment found that there were high levels of various dangerous molds present in the apartments, the suit says.
The defendant is accused of negligence through failing to maintain the apartments in a safe state, failing to prevent injuries to tenants and negligence through failing to treat the highly dangerous and defective apartments.
Jones seeks damages to be decided upon at trial for her medical damages, loss of quality of life, and loss of earning capabilities, plus court costs. She is represented by attorney James F. Willeford of Willeford & Toldano in New Orleans.
The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Donald A. Rowan Jr.
The 24th Judicial District Court Case number 767712.