Chinese Drywall Maker Agrees to be Tried in U.S. Courts

By Jim Greene

Published on November 29, 2009

A major defendant in a class-action defective products liability lawsuit over damages allegedly caused by Chinese drywall has agreed to be tried in U.S. courts, rather than forcing the issue into international courts. Plaintiffs' attorneys say this will speed up the process.

Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co., Ltd. (KPT), a German-owned Chinese manufacturer, has agreed to be served in the case, a move which attorneys said will allow the company to more quickly estimate its potential for liability stemming from the class-action suit, which must be filed by Dec. 9.

Chinese drywall is accused of emitting excessive chemical fumes, especially sulfur dioxide, which are blamed for damaging homes by corroding air-conditioning system parts, electrical wiring, and water pipes. The material has also been blamed for numerous medical symptoms, such as asthma attacks, congestion, dizziness, eye irritation, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and urinary tract infections.

Arnold Levin, a New Orleans attorney who is the lead plaintiffs' counsel in the consolidated suits, said the move by KPT may encourage individual claimants to join the suit, knowing they will not have to incur the expense, delay, and complications of dealing with the World Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

To join the suit, homeowners must submit proof by Dec. 2 to the firm of Levin, Rishbein, Sedran & Berman that KPT drywall was used in their homes.

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