Parker Waichman LLP

Seeking Chinese Help with Drywall Problems

To Persuade Chinese Companies to Pay for Repairs. US officials are in China hoping to persuade Chinese companies to pay for repairs to homes built with toxic drywall made in that country. Inez Tenenbaum, head of the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), is in Shanghai for a meeting with her counterparts there, and will […]

Drywall Problems

To Persuade Chinese Companies to Pay for Repairs. US officials are in China hoping to persuade Chinese companies to pay for repairs to homes built with toxic drywall made in that country. Inez Tenenbaum, head of the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), is in Shanghai for a meeting with her counterparts there, and will ask the country’s trade ministry to convince Chinese drywall makers to meet with US officials to discuss solutions to the problem.

Since late 2008, the CPSC has received more than 3,600 reports from residents in 39 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico regarding defective Chinese drywall. Sulfurous 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. Some people living with the wallboard have also complained of health problems. The CPSC has recommended that homes built with defective Chinese drywall be gutted.

“What we’re asking and we’ve been asking for months is for the Chinese government to help us get the other manufacturers to the table,” Tenenbaum told the Associated Press. So far, most Chinese drywall manufacturers have refused to cooperate, she said. Tenenbaum also asserted that one state-owned company was holding up progress, but would not name the manufacturer.

A Solution to the Problem.

So far, only one Chinese drywall manufacturer – Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. – has offered anything in the way of a solution to the problem. In a settlement announced earlier this month, Knauf agreed to fund a pilot remediation program by which 300 homes in four states would be repaired.

The settlement agreement calls for Knauf and other named defendants to see that the defective drywall is removed, and replacements made for electrical wiring, appliances including air conditioning, and fixtures damaged by drywall fumes, in accordance with the remediation protocol established by CPSC. The protocol also requires that other fixtures be removed and replaced as needed, including: Hot water heaters, cabinets, countertops, doors, moldings and trim (as required to remove drywall), sinks, toilets, bathtubs and shower enclosures, mirrors, ceiling fans, plumbing fixtures, exhaust grills and diffusers, marble pieces, doors and attached door handles. In addition to paying for repairs, homeowners will receive $8.50 per square foot to cover any additional expenses such as moving costs and temporary housing.

Knauf will hire the contractors to perform the work, and repairs will be inspected by an environmental engineer.

For now, only homes that are proven to contain 95 percent Knauf-made drywall will be eligible for the remediation program. It is hoped that a successful pilot program will lead to the settlement of many more Chinese drywall lawsuits.

According to the Associated Press, Tenenbaum praised Knauf’s settlement as a “major breakthrough.”

Need Legal Help Regarding Drywall Problems?

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
Thank you Parker Waichman. Working with Christina Morace through this long process made it easy and rewarding. Always pleasant to speak with and answered any of my questions and concerns. She kept me informed on all the documents needed on a timely basis and all the updates on my case. I sincerely recommend this Law Firm for the professional and knowledgeable workers. Thank you Carrie Hargrove Erskine
Carrie Hargrove
4 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman is a top notch firm! I was very impressed with my paralegal, Benita, who gave me her undivided attention. She is caring, careful, prompt and meticulous in all that she does. It was an absolute pleasure dealing with Benita and I cannot say enough of good things about her. Good job Benita! I am forever grateful for all your assistance.
Clifton Botelho
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I’m really satisfied with my experience dealing with Parker and Waichman and especially my attorney, Mathew Hinrichs, along with the support staff (Jacqueline & Theresa). My attorney is very professional and thorough but very approachable. He always returns calls/emails even in the early evening if necessary. His support staff of Paralegals are professional and thorough as well. This law firm gets things done! My confidence in Parker Waichman is very high, and I have been recommending this law firm to others here in Milwaukee by word of mouth. This recommendation will continue.
Daniel Kasten
3 years 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