Two Redwood City residents poisoned by carbon monoxide earlier this year are suing their landlord, claiming the company ignored PG&E's demands to repair a clogged wall heater in their apartment and hired an unlicensed contractor whose work did not fix the problem.
Carthan Bland and Brulandra Warren were both hospitalized in January for dizziness, headaches, fatigue and chest pain related to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the suit filed March 7 in San Mateo County Superior Court.
Bland was also treated three times in a hyperbaric chamber and has continuing numbness in his left hand, the suit states.
Since April 2008, Bland and Warren rented a unit at Hallmark House Apartments on Woodside Road operated by property management company KDF Hallmark, LP. In October, they began experiencing the physical symptoms, including shortness of breath and memory loss. By January, the suit states the couple called 911 after their carbon monoxide detector began beeping and the Redwood City Fire Department discovered high levels of carbon monoxide. A Pacific Gas and Electric employee also found the wall heater chamber clogged and turned it off until KDF Hallmark had a dealer or licensed contractor repair the equipment.
The suit claims KDF Hallmark instead had an unlicensed maintenance worker clean the vent and turn the heater back on. PG&E disconnected the gas line again on Jan. 5 after discovering elevated levels of carbon monoxide still present and, over the next two days, both Bland and Warren sought medical attention.
Bland and Warren are seeking damages for negligence, emotional distress, breach of contract, unlawful business practices, nuisance and breaching the covenant of good faith dealing and quiet enjoyment. The plaintiffs have suffered "worry and anxiety" over living in an "inhabitable premises," being exposed to carbon monoxide and potentially losing their home, the suit states.
A case management conference is scheduled for August.
An inquiry to KDF Hallmark went unanswered.
(650) 344-5200 ext. 102.
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