August 3, 2016 — A family from Delaware that was severely poisoned by illegal fumigation by Terminix has been awarded $87 million.
The family stayed at a resort on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Earlier that day, Terminix fumigators sprayed methyl bromide in the condo below the one where the family was staying. They began experiencing health problems that night.
Stephen Esmond became paralyzed and his two teenage sons experienced seizures. His wife, Theresa Devine, escaped with only minor side effects.
The whole family was airlifted to the United States for treatment, where the boys were placed in medically-induced comas. Theresa now cares for her disabled family members, who still struggle to sit upright, eat, and talk.
Terminix agreed to quickly end a criminal investigation and is expected to pay a $10 million settlement to the Justice Department next month. The company admitted used methyl bromide at dozens of locations on St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas between September 2012 and February 2015.
The EPA has issued warnings about fumigation in the Caribbean and is currently investigating the use of methyl bromide in other locations.
Methyl bromide — also known as bromomethane or the product “Meth-O-Gas Q” — is one of the most powerful pesticides in the world. It is a colorless, odorless gas with short-term and long-term neurotoxic effects. It has been banned from indoor residential use since 1984, but is still used on crops like strawberries in California. In the past, it was also used in fire extinguishers.
Do I have a Toxic Chemical Exposure Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting methyl bromide induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by fumigation, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Tort Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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