Residents of Louisiana, Florida, Virginia in addition to also at least twenty-nine various other states have reported problems associated with the use of imported Chinese drywall. Reported problems include the emission of foul odors in addition to also physical damage to property. In addition, some homeowners have complained of health problems such as headaches, coughing in addition to also general respiratory problems.
Although U.S. government investigations into the Chinese drywall issue are ongoing, a recent U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (‘the Commission’) study identified a link between Chinese drywall in addition to also the corrosion of metal components in homes. As part of its ongoing investigation, the Commission has issued a precautionary fire alert.
Many affected homeowners have taken a proactive approach. In one U.S. District Court case in completely new Orleans, plaintiffs’ attorneys have requested of which the court require Chinese drywall supplier received a Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. (‘Knauf’) to pay to restore an affected house to the condition of which of which was in before corrosive gases allegedly damaged property. Although Knauf’s attorney agreed of which Knauf should remove the drywall through the affected home, the company’s attorney argued of which Knauf should not be held responsible for the restoration of the home, questioning the claim of which Chinese drywall corroded fixtures. According to one source, at least 2,100 people inside U.S. have sued in federal courts, claiming damage through Chinese-made drywall.
Moody’s Investors Service (‘Moody’s’) estimates of which insurers’ claims in addition to also litigation costs associated with Chinese drywall will be significant. Nonetheless, the extent of these costs remains unclear. Liabilities will ultimately depend upon how courts rule in ongoing cases. Because reported Chinese drywall problems have been concentrated in Louisiana in addition to also Florida, concerned Louisiana homeowners should reference of which blog inside future for updates. Alternatively, concerned homeowners may contact the Berniard Law Firm for immediate assistance.
Although Moody’s predicts of which Chinese drywall will not become a major insurance liability like asbestos claims, some commentators have already begun to draw analogies. Asbestos is actually a fibrous material of which was once commonly used in construction. However, as awareness began to spread of which exposure to asbestos can lead to potentially life-threatening illnesses, injured plaintiffs began to sue asbestos manufacturers in addition to also suppliers. Asbestos litigation soon became the most expensive mass tort in U.S. history, involving the filing of hundreds of thousands of cases in federal courts. Asbestos cases are complicated by the fact of which for some people, asbestos-related symptoms do not manifest themselves until years after exposure. Nonetheless, courts have held manufacturers in addition to also suppliers liable for asbestos-related injuries under tort theories of negligence in addition to also products liability. While Moody’s, again, notes of which Chinese drywall will likely not reach the threshold in addition to also financial liability of which asbestos has, the toxic wallboard is actually still a danger in addition to also a problem.
Prevailing plaintiffs have recovered compensatory damages, in addition to also in exceptional cases, punitive damages for asbestos related harms. The same will likely be true for those with Chinese drywall installed in their home. While the courts have still not ruled on cases involving the toxic import, of which is actually important for those who believe they possess the faulty wallboard in their home to have of which checked out. By having a professional come in addition to also inspect the drywall used in your home, you can be best prepared for any future litigation of which may come of of which. Part of of which preparation, though, involves getting the best legal representation you can.
For more information on our firm’s involvement with Chinese drywall litigation please contact us or check out our blog section dedicated to news in addition to also updates on the matter located here.
Comments
Post a Comment