Family of Florida Boy Poisoned by Fumigation Chemicals Sues Terminix

The family of a boy who suffered severe brain damage after being exposed to fumigation chemicals in his home has filed a lawsuit against Terminix and a subcontractor named Sunland alleging slapdash practices.

In August, Peyton McCaughey’s family contacted Terminix to deal with a termite problem in their house. The 10-year-old Palm City, Florida boy suffered a catastrophic brain injury and has lost 90% of his motor skills and ability to speak because of the chemicals used in the fumigation. A family spokesman says the child cannot even lift his head. [1]

“They were negligent in the administration of the fumigation, conducting the fumigation and not having the home properly ventilated after the fumigation was done,” said Bill Williams, the McCaugheys’ lawyer.

“He sustained an inhalation, an exposure to pesticides in the fumigation process and unfortunately has sustained a traumatic brain injury,” said Williams.

After the August 16 fumigation, Sunland told the McCaugheys it was safe to go back into the home. But the whole family got sick and young Peyton got worse instead of better. The youngster is facing months of rehabilitation in the hopes that he may be able to recover some of his abilities. [2]

According to the lawsuit, Terminix and Sunland Pest Control used a different chemical – Zyphor – than what the McCaughey’s were told would be used. The family alleges that Terminix failed to properly supervise Sunland and that Peyton was poisoned and gassed because the Zyphor was left inside the house after the fumigation.

Sunland purportedly put too much of the chemical in the home and did not ventilate the home before the family was told it was safe to return, reportedly.

The local contractor’s pest-control license has been suspended by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Communications as the investigation progresses. Sunland possessed devices that it should have used to test the home for safety, but they were not working, investigators discovered.

State officials also say that Sunland failed to participate in a training program that companies that use Zyphor are required to go through.

Peyton has shown improvement in the past month, but his uncle, Ed Gribben, says the child is “nowhere near the kid that he used to be.”

The lawsuit doesn’t specify how much money the family is seeking.

Additional Sources:

[1] USA Today

[2] WPBF