GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — It has been nearly a year since Joel Johnson and his family had to go through a battery of tests and received multiple rabies shots after being exposed to bats while renting a Gwinnett County home and now they have filed a lawsuit.
The infestation was so bad, the Gwinnett County Health Department deemed it an imminent health hazard and posted a notice that no one should enter the house.
Channel 2 Action News spoke to the renter and the homeowner when the house was first condemned, now the renter has filed a 35-page lawsuit demanding compensation for medical bills, deposits and the belongings that remain locked inside the home. The family says their expenses total in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"There's bats living in the dryer. I can't take that home," Johnson said.
In March, Johnson's attorney provided a video she said was taken by animal control. It shows bats crawling on the fireplace and underneath the home.
"Hearing the bats squeaking and squealing 2, 3, 4 o'clock in the morning," Johnson said.
Attorney Tammy Holcomb said the family has given the homeowner, Marin Del Mazo, ample time to reimburse Johnson for prepaid rent and deposits, belongings in the home and medical expenses.
"Exorbitant medical expenses…no knowledge now if future medical care will be required," Holcomb said.
Del Mazo did not return messages, but told Channel 2 Action News in March he would respond to legal action.
"I'm perfectly happy to pay whatever I'm legally obligated to pay," Del Mazo said at the time.
Holcomb said Del Mazo has not responded to the lawsuit.
Family suing homeowner over bat infestation
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