Claims News Service, Sept.8, 2:29 p.m. EST — Homebuilding company Shea Homes was absolved of any liability for damages that a family alleged had arisen out of mold exposure in their home.
The Achins, a family of three in California, claimed a host of bodily injuries from exposure to mold while living in a single-family home that Shea had constructed. They sought in excess of $20 million (reduced to $5 million at trial) for various personal injuries. Prior to trial, the court eliminated many of their claims, finding that the general medical community has rejected any link between household mold and injuries other than typical allergic reactions in otherwise healthy people. After trial, the jury returned its verdict that Shea was not negligent, made no misrepresentations of fact, and did not cause any harm to plaintiffs.
The jury further found that Shea acted reasonably in responding to the family's initial warranty requests, and that the claims asserted were wholly unrelated to any actions of Shea. Several jurors commented post-trial that they thought Shea had done everything it could to work with the Achin family and avoid the litigation that transpired.
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