Former Fort Cavazos Family Awarded $10.3 Million in Mold Case

A U.S. Army sergeant and his family were awarded over $10 million in a lawsuit for economic and medical damages caused by toxic, mold-infested military housing at Fort Cavazos. The property management company, previously known as Fort Hood Family Housing, and its parent company, LendLease, were held responsible after it was revealed that landlords had concealed evidence of mold in the home.

Moldy Military Housing Causes Health Problems for Fort Cavazos Family

Sgt. Jason Kiernan, Sarah Kiernan, and their three children moved into military housing on Fort Cavazos in 2018. The family began noticing adverse health effects in 2019, when Sarah Kiernan was pregnant with their third child. After their son was born, the infant had frequent health concerns, being hospitalized multiple times with respiratory problems, once even needing a life flight to Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin. 

A few weeks later, the severity of the family’s situation was uncovered when one of the Kiernans’ sons fell through a wall, exposing black mold.

Legal Action Taken Against Military Housing Companies

In 2020, the Kiernans and eight other families living in military housing on Fort Cavazos filed a complaint in the U.S. Federal Court. A federal court judge ruled that arbitration was necessary for the dispute due to the lease agreements signed by servicemembers at Fort Cavazos.

After reviewing the case, The American Arbitration Association (AAA) panel ruled that the companies showed a “lack of care or concern for families living in military housing” based on evidence that the Fort Hood Family Housing company employees used codes in maintenance reports to hide references to mold. In addition, the company withheld its prior knowledge of construction defects in Fort Cavazos homes that promoted mold growth.

Judgment Against Fort Hood Family Housing and LendLease

As a result, the AAA ordered Fort Hood Family Housing LP, and its parent company LendLease to pay the Kiernans for economic damages, mental anguish, attorney’s fees, and pre-judgement interest, totalling $10.3 million.

“This important ruling proves that military families like the Kiernans have the right to expect safe homes and they are right in holding these companies accountable,” the Kiernans’ attorney said.

We are Veterans Helping Veterans

The Veterans Legal Assistance Program’s goal is to support Veterans and those serving in active-duty, as well as their families. We want to inform you of the issues affecting the Veteran community and connect you with people we trust.

We’ve got your six.