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A Mason man has filed a $75,000 lawsuit in federal court against Great Wolf Lodge in Mason which claims the man became ill after visiting the indoor water park in February 2007.

Todd and Lori Hinners of Mason said that a doctor, who was chosen by Great Wolf, found evidence that Todd's coughing and vomiting was caused by fumes at the park. They say their son also experienced problems.

Hinners is seeking more than $75,000 in damages.

According to the lawsuit, Hinners was given several antibiotics to fight the bronchitis and rapid heart rate he developed. After visits to both his doctor and Bethesda North Hospital, Hinners was examined by Great Wolf's doctor on Feb. 5. Hinners' attorney, Leslie Ghiz said that after six months of not receiving a response from Great Wolf regarding several complaints made on Hinners' behalf, they went forward with the lawsuit.

Great Wolf attorney Steve Shattuck said it is the policy of the company not to comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit states that the independent medical examiner found that Hinners' condition was caused by inhaling chemicals while at Great Wolf.

The first of similar complaints was made early in 2007, with more than 600 people eventually coming forward to say that they experienced upper respiratory problems, such as difficulty breathing and coughing, flu-like symptoms and skin rashes after staying at Great Wolf.

Warren County Environmental Health Director Dan Collins said his office found Great Wolf to be in compliance with state health department regulations and building codes, so they called in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to investigate what might be causing people to experience illnesses.

At the time, NIOSH tested for chloramines, which form from a combination of chlorine, human waste and lack of ventilation. Collins said he expects NIOSH's final report to be completed this week.

Collins said Great Wolf did upgrade its ventilation system and the problems seem to have stopped.

"We have not had any problems since," Collins said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4507 or rycook@coxohio.com.