Chinese Drywall
Homeowners around the entire country have been bringing class actions suits against several manufacturers and suppliers of drywall imported from China. The claim is based upon defective drywall that was installed in many homes over the last several years. Specfically, the drywall emits sulfur compounds that corrode copper and other metals and make homes smell like rotten eggs. Furthermore, considering the sulfur particulates that can be inhaled, there could be significant health problems, especially respiratory issues, as some homeowners have reported experiencing.
The drywall is allegedly made from waste material from scrubbers on coal-fired power plants in China. As a result of the United States enduring several especially devastating hurricanes in the last few years that led to significant damage to homes, there was a tremendous demand for drywall that could not be completely satisfied by domestic drywall. This allegedly caused some suplliers to import chinese drywall, which, unlike American drywall, contains sulfur particulates and can be manufactured at a cheaper price.
In addition to the terrible smell, the sulfur particulates can corrode metal parts in air conditioners, copper wiring, and other metal household products. Therefore, not only is the drywall expensive to replace, but it has led to some other pricey repair bills from corroded metals.
Current estimates are that between 350,000 to 500,000 US homes contain toxic Chinese drywall throughout the Gulf States, specifically Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and others. Exposure to toxic Chinese drywall is potentially lethal. The gases emitted by toxic Chinese drywall are not only strong enough to corrode various metals, they have also led to severe upper respiratory issues including nose bleeds, headaches, rashes, with the potential of cancer or other long term serious health affects.
The drywall was most often used as a cheaper alternative in new home construction and in home repairs/remodeling between 2003 and 2007 due to surging home prices; however the earliest reports of its use in the US market are in 2001.
The presence of the chinese drywall is most commonly discovered after homeowners encounter a rotten-egg smell in the home, the result of a chemical reaction that occurs when the drywall is exposed to consistent heat and humidity. The sulfur-heavy fumes cause metals and wires to deteriorate, especially air conditioning parts and jewelry. Furthermore, according to the CDC, prolonged exposure to the compound can cause breathing problems, chest pains, nervous system issues, and even death. The economic damages and health consequences of this drywall can be devastating.
When the rights of a group of people have been violated, they can file a class action lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries or asking the court to either require the defendant to take certain action or to require the defendant to stop certain activities in which it is involved. The advantage of a class action is that a group of people with similar claims can present their cases at one time, rather than having to file numerous individual lawsuits.
At Pogust Braslow & Millrood, we regularly handle class action lawsuits. We know that class action lawsuits are highly complicated, and require special skill and expertise in order to obtain the best results possible because defendants fight these cases very hard. At Pogust Braslow & Millrood, protecting our clients is our primary goal, and we fight harder than the defendants to assure that our clients are treated fairly and are compensated for whatever injuries the defendants' conduct has caused.
We thoroughly investigate every class action so our clients are assured that we will hold the responsible party accountable for its actions. If you have been a victim of consumer fraud, you should immediately contact the attorneys at Pogust Braslow & Millrood, where Protecting Consumers Is Our Primary Goal. Just fill out this form, click here to send us an email or call us at (610) 941-4204. Take the first step toward protecting yourself and the ones you love by contacting us immediately.
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