Louisiana Files Lawsuit against Makers, Installers of Chinese Drywall
By Jim Greene
Published on January 25, 2010
Louisiana is suing 23 companies involved in making, distributing or installing Chinese drywall, accusing them of fraud, negligence, and violations of several state consumer protection laws. The imported drywall has been widely blamed for damaging the homes and the health of residents across the country, especially in the Southeast.
Drywall was imported from China when domestic supplies could not keep up with the demand of the housing boom of a few years past. Louisiana, Florida, and other southeastern states were especially in need because of rebuilding after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Chinese drywall has been blamed for corroding air conditioning system coils, wiring, plumbing, and other metal items, as well as causing numerous health problems.
Attorney General Calls Chinese Drywall Defective
Louisiana Attorney General James Caldwell's lawsuit claims the defendants "proactively pushed their defective Chinese drywall into Louisiana in massive quantities..." He writes that defendants' actions violated "expressed and implied warranties and the state's unfair trade practices and...its product liability act."
Caldwell is asking for unspecified damages to help homeowners solve drywall issues, as well as court costs and punitive damages.
Chinese drywall is made with fly ash, a byproduct of coal-burning power plants. In the burning process, all the contaminants found in coal are concentrated into the fly ash, and then embedded in the drywall.
Rotten Egg Smell Can Be First Sign of Trouble
Homeowners say the drywall gives off toxic fumes, including hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. The fumes are blamed for the corrosion and health problems, including various forms of respiratory distress.
About 1,000 complaints from homeowners have been lodged with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, according to the suit.
If you or someone you know has suffered damage to your home or to your health because of Chinese drywall, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney right away. The case against Chinese drywall is building; numerous health agencies have expressed concern. You may be eligible for compensation to help you deal with the consequences of contamination.
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