The Eagle: Student - Dorm Mold Caused Illnesses

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The latest toxic torts case by Austin personal injury attorney, Kristina Baehr, was featured in an article by The Eagle. Baehr represented Leah Courington, who suffered from toxic mold exposure in her college dorm room in College Station, Texas. Courington claims that dorm mold caused her illness.

Leah Courington's experience at Texas A&M University sheds light on the severe health impacts of toxic mold exposure and the alleged negligence in addressing such issues. As a freshman, Courington faced alarming health problems, including memory loss, brain fog, and severe eye irritation, which she attributed to mold in her Keathley Hall dorm room. Her deteriorating condition prompted her to seek medical help, with four doctors in the first week of symptoms.

A petri dish allegedly containing mold in the Texas A&M dorm room of student Leah Courington. The mold infested dorm room caused Courington to get very sick.

Despite Courington's complaints, the university initially dismissed her concerns. It wasn't until her family paid for a third-party inspection that visible mold was confirmed, including the toxic Stachybotrys, commonly known as "Black Mold." The university's own inspections initially reported no mold, which contradicted the findings of the independent inspector who conducted a thorough examination of the room.

The third-party inspection revealed high humidity levels and significant mold growth, leading to the condemnation of Courington's dorm room and all its contents. Consequently, she was moved to another dormitory, but not without losing many personal belongings due to contamination.

Courington's health issues persisted, requiring specialized treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which helped alleviate her symptoms. Despite these challenges, she managed to complete her first two semesters, thanks to the support of her professors.

Represented by Kristina Baehr of Just Well Law, Courington's family sent a demand letter to Texas A&M, estimating damages over $1 million. They are prepared to file a lawsuit to seek accountability and raise awareness about the health risks associated with mold exposure in university housing. Baehr emphasizes that litigation serves not only to seek justice but also to educate institutions about their responsibilities in maintaining safe living conditions.

Courington's ordeal underscores the importance of prompt and thorough investigation of environmental health complaints in educational institutions to protect students' well-being.

Read the full article here.