BELLEVILLE – A family has filed a negligence lawsuit against the Longacre Ponds Apartments, claiming that they were exposed to toxic mold for almost a year.
Plaintiffs Ryan Allen, Camille McManus and Minors Kai Allen, Ryan Allen, Jr., and Jacobi Allen through next friend Ryan Allen filed the lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court Catalyst Property Solutions, LLC, doing business as Longacre Ponds Apartments, citing negligence.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs resided in a unit at the Longacre Ponds Apartments in Fairview Heights from August 2020 through August 2022. They allege that during the summer of 2021, they noticed a leak in the ceiling of the master bedroom, as evidenced by a large water spot in the ceiling. They allegedly reported the issue to the defendant's property manager. Shortly after the initial report, the plaintiffs noticed that the ceiling was turning black, and they suspected mold was growing in the ceiling.
Despite repeated notifications to the property manager, the plaintiffs claim the defendant never sent anyone to check on the issue. They allege that on June 22, 2022, they had the unit professionally tested for mold, which indicated that the unit was positive for several types of toxic mold. The test results were immediately forwarded to the defendant, but the defendant did not address the mold issue until the end of July 2022. The plaintiffs state that they moved out of the apartment the following month.
According to the plaintiffs, as a result of the defendant's negligent failure to address the mold in a timely manner, they were exposed to toxic mold for months. They claim the exposure caused them to suffer various health issues including coughing, congestion, and wheezing. In particular, McManus was pregnant during this period and suffered coughing so severe that she allegedly had to be rushed to the hospital to undergo an emergency C-section.
The plaintiffs claim they have experienced pain and suffering. They also allege their injuries will impact their ability to earn income and enjoy normal life. They add that they have incurred medical expenses and will continue to require medical care.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $25,000, plus court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. They are represented in this case by attorney Bret Sullivan of Page Law in St. Louis.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 23LA0633