TAMPA -- Parents of a child who developed health problems are suing the husband's former employer for exposure to products alleged to be the causes.
Koungnum Brown and Tomika Brown, parents and guardians of CB, a minor, filed a complaint on June 1 in Hillsborough County Circuit Court against Gopher Resources, LLC and Envirofocus Technologies, LLC for strict liability, ultra-hazardous activity and negligence.
According to the complaint, Mr. Brown started working at Gopher in July of 2011 and left his employment on November 27, 2017. Between 2011 and 2014, Mr. Brown worked as a general laborer and loader driver, which included tending to the furnaces to keep them continuously pouring lead - between approximately 250 to 400 tons of lead each day without ventilation. In August 2011, molten lead erupted from the furnace and caused Mr. Brown to suffer a third-degree burn to his foot and his hospital records shown elevated blood pressure.
On October 13, 2013, Mrs. Brown gave birth to a son, CB, who shared a home with Mr. Brown for most of the first year of CB’s life, as well as the personal family vehicles used to travel back and forth to work for Mr. Brown.
Mrs. Brown also washed Mr. Brown's clothing that was allegedly covered in lead dust. Mr. Brown moved out in 2015, but continued to visit his child until 2017. In June 2017, CB’s blood lead level was 9 mg/dL, which exceeded the CDC's classification of lead levels that put a child at risk. CB began experiencing medical issues due to his high lead levels.
The Browns seek medical expenses for past and future visits, compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, medical care and nursing care and treatment expenses. The Browns are represented by Stephanie Miles of Swope, Rodante P.A.