Broward County sued over moldy courthouse

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Broward County is being sued by two judicial aides over health problems they claim developed due to mold exposure in the Fort Lauderdale courthouse, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


Former Senator Walter "Skip" Campbell’s law firm is suing the county and three contractors because water damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma created toxic mold that was never effectively remediated and compromised the indoor air quality (IAQ), the story stated.


According to the story, at least five additional employees are expected to file suit this week.


Campbell said he would not only seek damages for his clients, but that he would also seek a court order to force Broward County to meet its obligations of providing a safe courthouse, the story noted.


Campbell said: "The indoor air quality was already judged to be 'sick' when more damage occurred. Burst pipes in December 2008 and January 2009 and a leaky urinal in February of 2009 continued to infect the air quality, making work at the courthouse hazardous to one’s health."


Voters rejected a 2006 ballot initiative to borrow $450 million to improve Broward County's court system, the story added.