Suits over homes add Bothell development

A series of lawsuits claiming unhealthy air and other construction defects in houses built by Quadrant Homes in Snoqualmie Ridge has expanded to a Quadrant development in Bothell.

Wendy and Doug Duggan and Sarah and James Potts sued Quadrant in the past several months for allegedly building their homes in West Hill Heights with two flaws: fiberglass insulation in the heating ducts and mold contamination. The lawsuit says that has caused chronic health problems for the two couples and their children.

The Duggans moved into their home six years ago and since then, their three children — ages 8, 6 and 4 — have each had sinus surgeries, multiple infections and breathing problems, even while they test negative for all major allergies, Wendy Duggan said.

Quadrant, a subsidiary of Weyerhaeuser, declined to comment on the lawsuits.

"It's Quadrant's company policy not to comment or speculate on pending litigation issues," said company spokesman Bill Boucher in an e-mail message. "... That said, our homebuyers' satisfaction with their Quadrant homes is always our top priority."

The Bothell families join eight at Snoqualmie Ridge who have sued Quadrant Homes with similar allegations since November 2004. Quadrant has bought back the homes of seven of the Snoqualmie families at market value, but the families' legal claims for damages from their health problems continue, said their attorney Lory Lybeck, who also represents the Bothell families.

Two of the Snoqualmie cases are set to go to trial this fall, with the rest scheduled for sometime next year.

The Snoqualmie families also expanded their lawsuit to allege that their homes had bad wiring, leaky roofs, problems with siding and poor ventilation that spread furnace fumes.

Quadrant has sued several subcontractors in response to the lawsuits for any defects that may be proved at trial.

Ashley Bach: 206-464-2567 or abach@seattletimes.com