Detroit Airport Worker Loses in Bid to Sue Over Exposure to Mold

DETROIT - A federal judge dismissed an airport employee's mold injury lawsuit against the U.S. transportation secretary on May 19, ruling that the Federal Employees' Compensation Act limits plaintiff's recovery options in a manner comparable to state workers' compensation acts. Sugent v. Mineta, No. 05-CV-74655 (E.D. Mich.).

Vincent M. Sugent complained of 'an incessant series of minor illnesses' arising from exposure to mold in the control tower at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The sole defendant was U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.

In dismissing Sugent's complaint for lack of jurisdiction, U.S. District Judge George C. Steeh cited testimony by Air …