10-Year-Old Boy Suffers Traumatic Brain Injury After Termite Fumigation
By Craig Knapp on September 4, 2015

A Florida family had their home sprayed for termites and returned two days later when they were told it would be safe. However, immediately following their return, they all began to feel ill. Peyton, a 10-year-old boy in the home, had trouble standing and speaking, so the family took him to a local clinic where a doctor suspected poisoning from the fumigation.

Peyton’s parents and his 7-year-old sister recovered, but Peyton’s condition worsened. Despite spending more than two weeks in three different children’s hospitals, he can barely speak and has lost 90-percent of his motor skills. He also lost function of his left arm and leg. Doctors found that Peyton suffered a traumatic brain injury leaving many areas of concern in his brain.

The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation, as well as the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Florida Department of Health. In the meantime, Sunland Pest Control, a Terminix subcontractor who conducted the fumigation, has been issued a Stop Work Order.

This is the second time that Terminix has been involved in a fumigation that injured people. Back in March, a family vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands fell ill after a suspected pesticide exposure. Preliminary tests showed the presence of methyl bromide where the family was staying. Methyl bromide is a substance that is not permitted in the U.S. for indoor use. The Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency are still investigating, but the family affected continues to recover. Similar to Peyton and his family, the father and two sons in this case have lost much of their motor skills, as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention, traumatic brain injuries affect 2.4 million people each year. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a form of acquired brain injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI is often the result of when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. The effects of traumatic brain injuries vary- some people will only suffer minor results, while others’ impact is profound. For many people, change in brain function can have a dramatic impact on family, job, social and community interaction, and rehabilitation is often necessary.

The Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Knapp & Roberts focus all our time and financial resources on cases involving serious injuries and wrongful death. We have the compassion, patience, and legal knowledge to present a compelling story to a jury. If you have a legal matter in Arizona you wish to discuss with one of our attorneys at no charge, please contact us at 480-991-7677 or complete the ‘Do I Have a Case’ form on our website, and one of our lawyers will contact you.