HOUSTON – A Houston family has filed a lawsuit against The Reserve at Westwood apartment complex after toxic mold allegedly caused their 8-month-old daughter to be rushed to intensive care with double pneumonia.
Cliff Jackson and Destani Washington’s daughter, Legaci, was hospitalized at Texas Children’s Hospital last fall when she developed severe breathing difficulties.
The parents say doctors informed them that the situation could have been fatal if they hadn’t sought immediate medical attention.
They claim the source of the health issues was traced to an apartment in the complex where the child’s aunt, Dionanna Bailey, frequently provided childcare.
Despite repeated complaints about visible mold, Bailey says management downplayed the issue.
“When I started complaining about the mold, they told me it was mildew and condensation,” Bailey said. “They’d send a company out to clean it. It would be okay for three or four months, then it would come back.”
Bailey adds she suffered serious health complications, including double pneumonia, a kidney injury, and a staph infection that required three months of medication. She also experienced persistent symptoms, including skin rashes, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, migraines, and severe nosebleeds.
The family says management only agreed to conduct professional mold testing after being shown video footage of the infant in intensive care. Initially reluctant to share the results, the complex eventually revealed the unit contained “extremely toxic” mold levels, according to Jackson. An independent test ordered by the family confirmed these findings.
Attorney Samuel Milledge II of Milledge Law Group, representing the family, says the complex’s apparent lack of urgency in addressing the situation necessitated legal action.
“The fact that they know this exists and they’re still allowing people to live in these apartments without taking the necessary steps to rectify the issue is super egregious,” Milledge said. He added that other residents may be experiencing similar health issues and invites them to contact his firm.
Bailey was forced to abandon her belongings and evacuate the apartment immediately upon receiving the test results. Medical professionals have warned that both she and infant Legaci may face long-term health consequences.
Based on a quick 311 search just this year alone, there are nearly 400 reports of mold throughout the city, with nearly half of the data involving black mold.
When contacted, staff at The Reserve at Westwood stated they were unaware of any mold issues at the complex and declined further comment.
This case emerges as Houston city council members recently advanced an ordinance aimed at increasing landlord accountability. The measure, which passed unanimously through the Property Standards Committee, is currently under review by general counsel before proceeding to a final vote.
Meanwhile, Jackson and his family are supporting the ordinance and hope that their story serves as a warning.
