Parker Waichman LLP

Uncertainty Over Florida Insurance Coverage for Chinese Drywall Damage

At Least Two Dozen Claims. Florida’s largest insurer says it has received at least two dozen claims over damage caused by defective Chinese drywall. However, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has not paid on any claims, and says it is unclear whether Chinese drywall damage will be covered by its policies. According to HeraldTribune.com, an executive […]

Chinese Drywall Damage

At Least Two Dozen Claims. Florida’s largest insurer says it has received at least two dozen claims over damage caused by defective Chinese drywall. However, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has not paid on any claims, and says it is unclear whether Chinese drywall damage will be covered by its policies.

According to HeraldTribune.com, an executive with Citizens said that because of the scope and complexity of the Chinese drywall problem, its attitude is that “as a state and as a nation is that we need to figure out what the cure is for this malady.”

However, despite reports in the media, Citizens said it is not canceling or refusing to renew policies on homes with Chinese drywall. But if the Chinese drywall leads to other damage, such as corroded wiring or plumbing, that existing damage may not be covered by a new policy, HeraldTribune.com said.

Chinese Drywall Homeowners in Limbo

Questions about insurance coverage are just one of the factors that has left many Chinese drywall homeowners in limbo. They are still awaiting word as to whether or not there will be a Chinese drywall recall. U.S. officials are attending the U.S.-China Product Safety Summit in Beijing today, and are expected to press Chinese officials on the drywall problem. Yesterday, we reported that a spokesperson for Inez Tenenbaum, head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), said she would appeal to Chinese drywall manufacturers to do “what is fair and just”. It was not clear whether that meant asking the Chinese firms to provide financial help to homeowners with the defective wallboard, or issuing a recall of the material.

So far the Chinese have been noncommittal regarding any type of solution to the drywall disaster. And some in the U.S. have expressed frustration with their stance. For instance, earlier this week, Senator Bill Nelson, D-Florida, told News-Press.com said his own visit this summer with the Chinese General Administration of Quality, Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine resulted in nothing but “a bunch of bureaucratic gobbledygook.” Nelson found his interaction with the head of the Chinese agency frustrating, and told News-Press.com that he got “fed up” when it became obvious the agency was not going to respond. The summit that begins tomorrow involves the same Chinese agency that frustrated Sen. Nelson.

The CPSC has received over 1,500 complaints regarding Chinese drywall from homeowners across the country. Gases emitted from Chinese drywall are being blamed for significant property damage, including damage to HVAC systems, smoke detectors, electrical wiring, metal plumbing components, and other household appliances. These gases also produce a sulfurous odor that permeates homes, and cause metals, including air conditioning coils and even jewelry, to corrode. People living with Chinese drywall have also suffered eye, respiratory and sinus problems that may be linked to the gases.

Need Legal Help Regarding Chinese Drywall Damage?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations.
For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
It was a pleasure to work with Julie Trinidad as my case manager at Parker Waichman, she did a great job on my case!!!.
Ignacio Tamarez
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman handled my case very well and obtained a fantastic result. The team representing me had me informed of the progress from begining to end. My attorney Joonho fought very hard for me and his paralegal Meredith Ippolito was exceptional fielding my many questions and making sure everything was getting done as it was supposed too. I cant thank my PW team enough for handling my case professionally and for the outstanding result!
Paul Ulitsky
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I feel very grateful and happy with the service I received from the Parker Waichman LLP office. The process was very fast and effective. Thanks to Catherine Maryann and Jorge for helping me.Thank you
Hary Orellana
8 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038