Key Takeaways:
• A Colorado family is launching a legal battle to prove that mold exposure in a rented apartment led to Parkinson’s disease.
• The family claims the property management companies were aware of the issue and failed to address it properly.
• The attorneys for the family state that this is the first case in the US where Parkinson’s can be shown to have been caused by mold.
• The family’s lawsuit includes evidence such as blood tests and brain scans to support their claims.
• The case is set to go to trial on February 24.
Family in Landmark Legal Fight
If victorious, a Colorado Springs family could set a new precedent by proving that exposure to mold in an apartment led to Parkinson’s disease in a former Olympic sports executive. Steve Locke, his wife Linda Kilis and their young son moved into the Signature at Promontory Pointe apartment complex six months before Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015. The lawsuit, scheduled to be heard in February, accuses Griffis Blessing Inc. and Brown Signature LLC of neglecting known leaks, leading to the family’s “catastrophic injuries.”
Health Deteriorates After Moving Into Apartment
Following their move to the apartment, Steve’s health started to decline, the first signs being an abnormal gait and tremors. Moreover, their son started developing motor and verbal tics and was diagnosed with asthma. Linda too experienced medical complications, including memory loss, temperature dysregulation and multiple chemical sensitivity. The lawsuit states that the family was unaware of the cause of these health issues until contractors discovered extensive mold growth in their home.
The Connection between Mold Exposure and Parkinson’s
Attorney Alan Bell, who represents the family, professed that this is the first case in the US to link Parkinson’s disease to mold exposure. He announced that they have comprehensive evidence, including blood tests and neuroimaging, to substantiate their claims. On the other hand, Kimberly Viergever, an attorney representing the defendants, refrained from making any comments, citing that the case is ongoing.
“This Really Upended Our Lives”
Locke, a physically active man, formerly headed USA Triathlon, USA Water Ski and USA Field Hockey. His affliction with Parkinson’s has transformed his life drastically. Following the discovery of mold in their apartment, Linda said property management did not provide mold testing. She added that the entire debacle significantly impacted their lives and careers, and has caused ongoing health problems for the family.
Link Between Mold Toxins and Movement Disorders
Linda discovered studies that established a link between mold toxins and movement disorders similar to those experienced by her husband. Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by tremors, motor dysfunction, rigid limbs, gait, and balance issues. Generally believed to be caused by genetic and environmental factors, scientists have recently linked Parkinson’s symptoms to fungus.
Consequences of Negligence
In their pursuit of justice, Locke and his family found that the property management company was aware of the leaking problem but chose not to address it due to budgetary constraints. This negligence led to the flourishing of mold in their apartment, which has been substantiated by third-party tests.
Research on Link Between Parkinson’s and Mold
Joan Bennett, a professor not involved in the lawsuit, echoed the family’s claims. Her research postulates that an organic compound called mushroom alcohol, found in molds, can cause movement disorders in flies. She also found that it attacked two genes that deal with dopamine, instigating Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
Final Thoughts:
If the family’s allegations prove to be valid, this lawsuit will mark a landmark ruling, shifting the understanding of the origins of movement disorders like Parkinson’s. This case will also draw attention to the responsibilities landlords bear to ensure the safety of their tenants, enforcing accountability for environmental-related health issues.