Parker Waichman LLP

First Federal Chinese Drywall Trial Set to Start

The first Chinese drywall trial will finally open today in a New Orleans federal courtroom. The case involves seven Virginia plaintiffs whose homes have drywall manufactured by China-based Taishan Gypsum Co. Since late 2008, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has received about 2,833 reports from residents in 37 states, the District of Columbia, and […]

The first Chinese drywall trial will finally open today in a New Orleans federal courtroom. The case involves seven Virginia plaintiffs whose homes have drywall manufactured by China-based Taishan Gypsum Co.

Since late 2008, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has received about 2,833 reports from residents in 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico regarding defective Chinese drywall. 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.

The drywall problems have forced many people out of their homes, and some families are dealing with the heavy financial burden of paying both rent and mortgage payments. Those unable to afford additional rent have no choice but to stay in their potentially hazardous homes. Homeowners insurance does not cover damage from Chinese drywall, and builders have estimated that remediating a home with Chinese drywall could cost as much as $100,000.

At least 3,000 people from across the country have filed suit over defective Chinese drywall. All of the Chinese drywall lawsuits filed in federal courts have been consolidated in the US District Court in New Orleans under Judge Eldon E. Fallon as part of a multidistrict litigation.

According to a report in the South Florida Business Journal, the trial scheduled to begin today in New Orleans is expected to set a minimum threshold for fixing homes where defective drywall was installed. Blame is not at issue in this case because a default judgment has already been issued against Taishan Gypsum for failing to respond to lawsuits.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuits will argue that homes with defective drywall must be gutted, with all drywall, fixtures, wires and pipes removed and replaced. By contrast, court papers submitted by Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin, another major drywall manufacturer, assert that “a proven combination of mature technologies, dehumidification, conditioning tand filtration … fix the problems associate with Chinese drywall in houses.”

A plaintiffs’ attorney told the South Florida Business Journal that Knauf’s proposed solution is inadequate, and amounts to ” a Band-Aid to fix cancer.”

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
We are very thankful to Parker Waichman for their expert guidance in our legal matter. We worked primarily with Benita Rollis who was extremely professional, supportive and always available to answer our questions and assist us in any way she could. We had a positive outcome and could not have done it without Benita and this firm helping us every step of the way!!!
janet adkins
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Nicoleta Mereuta ,answers all my questions and she was polite. She was a pleasure to talk too.
Brenda Simmons
7 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Your site helped me, turns out human bodyparts make great business
Resetti
a year 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