Rental home infested with mold and cockroaches affects health of plaintiffs. $2M. Los Angeles County.

Summary

Family lives in rental home for a year with the mold and cockroach issues.

Case Name: Houang et al. v. Sterling et al.
Court and Case Number: Los Angeles County Superior Court / 22STCV32478
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, December 20, 2024
Date Action was Filed: Tuesday, October 04, 2022
Type of Case: Breach of Warranty, Environmental, Landlord-Tenant Issues, Negligence, Nuisance, Private, Premises Liability, Toxins
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Theresa M. Traber
Plaintiffs:
Ken Houang, an individual; and Shelley Houang, individually and as Guardian Ad Litem for Minor.
Defendants:
Rochelle H. Sterling, individually and trustee of the Sterling Family Trust; Beverly Hills Properties, LLC
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

Gross Verdict or Award: $2,068,200
Net Verdict or Award: $1,861,380
Contributory/Comparative Negligence: 10% to plaintiffs
Economic Damages:
Lost wages: $43,200

Diminution of rental value: $25,000
Non-Economic Damages:
Physical pain and suffering and emotional distress $2,000,000
Trial or Arbitration Time: 10 court days
Jury Deliberation Time: 1 day

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Law Offices of Gerald S. Ohn, APC by Gerald S. Ohn, Los Angeles.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Klinedinst PC by Greg A. Garbacz and Taylor A. Wall, Irvine.

Plaintiff's Medical Expert(s):
James Dahlgren, M.D., toxicology and internal medicine.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
Ron Simon, M.D., allergies and immunology.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Stephen Donell, property management.

Mike Cosley, mold.
Defendant's Technical Expert(s):
Allan Snyder, property management.

Roy Dunn, mold.

Facts and Background:
Plaintiffs rented a home on Barrington Ave. in Los Angeles from defendants pursuant to a lease agreement. Plaintiffs lived in the rental unit for approximately one year.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
That plaintiffs suffered injuries and other damages as a result of habitability defects, including mold and cockroach infestations at the subject property.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendants disputed plaintiff’s claims as to habitability and the nature and extent of their injuries and damages.

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Severe rashes and exacerbation of pre-existing skin conditions from mold. Emotional distress from living in uninhabitable conditions, including mold and cockroach infestations.
Lost wages and diminution of rental value.