Family sues landlord for alleged mold exposure

A family is suing its landlord over allegations it was exposed to mold spores.

Samantha and Alexis, both minors and through their mother Emilia Reyes, filed a lawsuit Nov. 27 in Cook County Circuit Court against Teresa Parra, citing negligence.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs were tenants of the defendant's property at 1229 S. Central Ave. in Cicero. They claim that during 2011, the wall of the premises released extensive amounts of black spots and grew mold, causing toxic mold spores and mycotoxins to be discharged into the environment.

The plaintiffs allege the defendant was negligent in maintaining and repairing the wall and failing to appropriately prevent exposure to mold. As a result, the plaintiffs allege they were exposed to mold and mycotoxins, causing permanent lung damage.

They are seeking damages in excess of the jurisdictional limit and are being represented in the case by attorneys at the Santilli Law Group Ltd.

Circuit Court of Cook County Case No. 2013L013633.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.