posted by on Aug 7
Defective Chinese Drywall Used in Florida Homes is at Center of a Class Action Lawsuit
In a Florida class action lawsuit that names manufacturers and distributors of defective Chinese drywall, plaintiffs allege that the product caused damage to homes, property values, and health. Around 8,000 to 10,000 homes built between 2004 and 2006 in Florida are included in affected property in Florida. This is the date range during which the construction industry experienced a drywall shortage and began importing defective drywall from China.
Defendants named in the Chinese drywall class action lawsuit are Knauf Group, the German parent company of KPT; Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin (KPT), a Chinese drywall manufacturer; Rothchilt International Ltd., a China-based exporter, and Banner Supply, a Miami building supply company. The drywall class action is named on behalf of Shane M. Allen and Nicole J. Allen, who hail from the Fort Myers area.
The class action lawsuit alleges that the Chinese drywall was defective because it was manufactured using waste from Chinese power plants. This waste material is called fly ash, and emits sulfur compounds into homes made with the defective drywall. Sulfur emissions in the form of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide caused health problems in the houses’ inhabitants, as well as electrical damage, corrosion of AC units and wiring.
Health problems include respiratory ailments, nosebleeds, sinus problems, coughing, and irritation of eyes and throat. Plaintiffs seek damages and compensation from loss due to property devaluation, home and appliance repair and replacement, and medical testing for health problems stemming from the defective Chinese drywall.