On November 6, 2007, the Court of Appeals of North Carolina upheld a 2006 trial court’s ruling that Merisel Americas, Inc., is liable for an employee’s permanent injuries.

Between December 1998 and April 2000, Nathan Cameron worked in Merisel Americas’ Cary office, which had a history of water leaks and moisture problems. Cameron’s windows leaked when it rained and the walls, ceilings, and carpets in his office had been damaged by water and mold. In 1999, the office next to his flooded, increasing the water damage.

Cameron began having trouble with his balance and vision, and in the fall of 1999, was determined to have developed irreversible damage to his inner ear and vestibular system, resulting in permanent loss of balance.

He sued Merisel in 2002, claiming his workplace was contaminated with toxic molds and that the company’s negligence caused Cameron’s personal injuries. The case went to trial in Wake County in March 2006, and the jury found Merisel liable for damages. Cameron was awarded $1,600,000 for his injury, and his wife was awarded $200,000 for her loss of his company and services.

The decision was appealed, but in November 2007 the Court of Appeals of North Carolina affirmed the jury’s decision.

Industrial diseases and other injuries such as Cameron’s are covered under North Carolina Workers’ Compensation statutes. If you’ve been injured on the job you may have a case. Contact the professional workers’ compensation team at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin today for more information.

Source: “Court finds toxic mold caused worker’s health problems,” Business and Legal Reports, November 30, 2007.