Paul Clinton
MEDIA DISTRICT WEST -- Residents of a Media District apartment complex
have sued the building's owner, alleging conditions in the housing units
caused health problems.
Six current and former residents of Lakeside Apartments have put their
names to the class-action lawsuit, which could eventually include several
hundred people who lived in the complex at one time or another, Los
Angeles attorney Mike Arias said.
"We have a lot of people who have become sick and ill because of
conditions at Lakeside Apartments," Arias said.
The lawsuit, filed Sept. 22 in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses
Lakeside owner Avalon Bay Communities Inc. of "failing to abate the mold
and termite conditions throughout the apartments that are seriously
damaging the health of plaintiffs."
The residents first noticed problems in the 739-unit complex, at 401
Pass Ave., in May.
Calls to Avalon Bay were not returned.
The lawsuit includes few details about the residents' specific health
problems. Airborne toxins have "caused sinus and respiratory problems,"
according to the lawsuit. Those with a history of allergies, rhinitis and
sinusitis were the most severely affected.
Arias elaborated on the medical complaints, saying his clients have
also developed asthma and skin problems.
In addition to Avalon Bay, the residents sued two prior owners of the
complex -- Bay Apartment Communities and Anchor Pacifica Management
Company. Also named in the complaint are three environmental firms who
performed testing at the complex and five Avalon Bay managers.
The lead plaintiffs are Steven Anderson, Margaret Dubey, Jason Egan,
Bonnie Mound, Tomer Uzan and Sharon Wheeler.
The plaintiffs have asked for a jury trial, which cannot be scheduled
until Avalon Bay responds to the complaint.
