#United States #Military Families #Key West #Balfour Beatty #NAS Key West

Military Families in Key West Seek Justice Against Housing Negligence

In a troubling turn of events, several military families residing at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West have come forward with serious allegations against Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC, accusing the company of long-term fraud and gross negligence regarding their housing conditions. Their claims, recently filed in the Monroe County Circuit Court, paint a disturbing picture of neglect and concealment by the housing provider that has left these service members and their families in perilous living situations.

The lawsuit, now involving 192 current and former residents, contends that Balfour Beatty has exhibited a pattern of inadequate maintenance and a disturbing lack of concern for the health and safety of its residents over the past decade. The families describe living in conditions marred by significant issues such as mold, water damage, and other hazardous elements.

One major point raised in the legal filings asserts that the company deliberately concealed the hazardous living conditions from military families. When reportable issues came to light, the families claim that the response from Balfour Beatty was consistently inadequate. Problems such as electrical failures, HVAC malfunctions, plumbing breakdowns, and structural weaknesses were left unaddressed despite being brought to the company's attention. Rather than remedy these critical issues, Balfour allegedly misrepresented them as resolved, putting families at risk of severe health consequences.

The fallout from such negligence has manifested in various medical concerns among residents, reported to include asthma, respiratory ailments, severe headaches, cognitive impairments, and weakened immune systems. Such health complications are further exacerbated by the emotional toll experienced, as many families grapple with anxiety, depression, and heightened stress due to the uncertain safety of their homes.

This lawsuit targets not just Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC, but also its associated entities, all of which share responsibility for these alleged lapses of duty towards the military families they serve. Represented by a team of attorneys from Just Well Law, PLLC, The McKee Law Group, and Cooper Kirk, PLLC, the families seek to compel the defendants to recognize their responsibilities and make amends for the extensive suffering endured.

Kristina S. Baehr, an attorney from Just Well Law, has vocally criticized Balfour Beatty for their negligence and failure to adhere to standard environmental protocols. She emphasizes that military families should not be left vulnerable due to corporate indifference. Meanwhile, fellow attorney Robert J. McKee underscores the undeniable evidence presented in the case, arguing that the documented neglect is unmistakably clear.

The suit is a response to a history of misconduct linked to Balfour Beatty. Notably, in December 2021, Balfour Beatty Communities pled guilty to committing significant fraud against the United States, incurring substantial fines for their mishandling of military housing agreements. The company subsequently came under fire more recently for tolerating hazardous conditions, raising questions about their accountability.

This new legal action seeks to not only address the direct harms incurred but also to push for systemic changes in how military housing is managed, moving towards a future where families can trust in the safety and livability of their homes. The full list of claims in this newest suit includes breach of contract, negligence, emotional distress, and violations of consumer protection laws.

In efforts to advocate for their rights, these military families are fighting not just for their own health and safety, but for all service members and their families who deserve quality living conditions during their service to the nation. As the case progresses, the eyes of the military community are closely on the unfolding developments, hopeful for a just resolution that holds Balfour Beatty accountable for their alleged failings.

This landmark case will serve as a litmus test for corporate responsibility within the realm of military housing and is poised to potentially reform how such establishments operate across the nation, ensuring that no family has to endure unsafe living conditions ever again.