Judge Judy Season 3 Episode 2 Our Family is Sick
- September 11, 1998
Our Family is Sick is the second episode of the third season of Judge Judy, a courtroom reality show where Judge Judy Sheindlin presides over small claims cases and makes decisions based on the evidence and testimony presented by the plaintiffs and defendants.
In this episode, a family of four is suing their former landlord for damages they claim were caused by mold in their apartment. The plaintiffs allege that the landlord was aware of the mold problem but failed to take action to remove it or to inform them of the potential health risks.
The father explains that he and his three children began experiencing symptoms such as headaches, coughing, and congestion shortly after moving into the apartment. They also noticed a musty smell, and eventually discovered black mold growing on the walls and ceiling of the bathroom.
The family vacated the apartment and moved into a hotel, and then into a new apartment, incurring expenses for rent and additional living costs. They are seeking $5,000 in damages to cover their expenses and compensate them for the physical and emotional distress caused by the mold.
The landlord counters that the family did not report the mold problem in a timely manner, and that they caused damage to the apartment by failing to properly ventilate it. He also disputes the amount of damages being claimed, arguing that they are excessive.
Judge Judy listens to both sides and examines the evidence, including photographs of the mold and testimony from an expert on the health risks of exposure to mold. She questions the landlord about his knowledge of the mold and his responsibility to address it, and tries to determine whether the family bears any responsibility for the damage to the apartment.
Ultimately, Judge Judy renders her verdict, deciding whether the family is entitled to damages and if so, how much. She also offers advice on how to prevent mold growth in the future, and reminds both parties of their responsibilities as landlords and tenants.
Our Family is Sick is a tense and emotional episode that highlights the dangers of mold and the importance of timely action to address it. Judge Judy's expertise and no-nonsense approach to adjudication provide a clear and fair resolution to a complex case.