Settlements, $2.4M verdict in Chinese drywall litigation
Reprints
MIAMI and NEW ORLEANS—A jury recently awarded a Florida couple $2.4 million for damages related to Chinese drywall, while the same defendant settled with claimants in another case before going to trial.
A jury in Miami earlier this month rules that Banner Supply Co. was liable for damages to Armin and Lisa Seifart's home and awarded the couple $2.4 million.
Miami-based Banner Supply Co. was the distributor of the defective Chinese drywall, which has been linked to corrosion of wiring and household appliances and possible health problems.
The plaintiffs claimed Banner Supply knew there were problems with the wallboard it imported from Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd.
The Miami-Dade County Circuit Court jury found Banner negligent and in violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. According to reports.
In Louisiana, Knauf settled with two property owners in a federal court on June 18. The lawsuits were brought by Paul Clement and Celeste Schexnaydre, and John Campbell, a real estate owner. All claimed the noxious drywall caused damage to their properties.
The three are among more than 2,000 plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit filed in December against Knauf.
Under the settlement, Knauf agreed to pay Mr. Clement and Ms. Schexnaydre for removal and replacement of the drywall from one home, repairs to the electrical system and $40,000 for moving, rent, storage and personal items. Knauf agreed to pay Mr. Campbell $20,175 for lost rental income. Knauf also agreed to remove and replace the drywall and replace wiring.
In addition, two other companies hit with class action lawsuits related to Chinese drywall have settled. South Kendall Construction Corp. affiliate Palm Isles Holdings L.L.C. and Keys Gate Realty agreed to pay a combined $6 million to settle homeowners' claims in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court, the Miami Herald reported.
