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RODANAST, P.C.
Attorneys at Law
801 Estelle Drive
Lancaster, PA 17601
Tel: 717.892.3000
Toll Free: 1.888.245.0200
Fax: 717.892.1200

A number of class actions and individual lawsuits have been filed, recently, following several complaints of illness and home damage linked to contaminated drywall manufactured in China.

However, as investigations continue and more complaints begin to surface, the defective drywall is not only being linked to Chinese manufacturers, but to American manufacturing companies as well.

Miami Couple to File Defective Drywall Lawsuit

For instance, a couple living in Miami, affected by faulty drywall, has stated they plan to file a product liability lawsuit against an American manufacturing company in Miami federal court as early as tomorrow. According to George and Brenda Brincku, who built their third house together in 2005, they insisted upon American-made drywall in the construction of their home.

The couple argues that even though they insisted on American-made drywall, they began to experience problems linked to defective Chinese-made drywall shortly after their home was complete. Some of the signs that convinced the couple their drywall was defective include:

• The coils in their top-of-the-line air conditioning unit failed several times
• A strong, smelly odor permeated from their downstairs bathroom

 

The Brincku’s investigated whether their drywall was truly manufactured in America and, according to receipts and professional inspections, the contaminated drywall did in fact come from an American company, National Gypsum. Their lawyer, Ervin Gonzalez said he will be naming National Gypsum as a defendant in the lawsuit.

American Companies Allegedly Relabeled Chinese Products

According to allegations made by Gonzalez and other legal professionals, American companies such as National Gypsum, purchased Chinese-made wallboard and relabeled it as their own or recycled products. So, even consumers who thought they were purchasing American-made drywall may be affected by the defective Chinese drywall as well.

In addition to National Gypsum, a Chico-based manufacturing company, USG, is also named in several product liability lawsuits involving the faulty drywall. All the American defendant corporations deny the allegations.

The Chinese manufacturing company, Knauff Plasterboard Tianjin, has been named as a defendant in several Chinese defective drywall lawsuits and class actions. And, according to reports, there will be many more to come as more individuals, couples and families feel the effects of the tainted product.

Homeowners Seek Compensation for Damages

There seems to be a common trend in all of the lawsuits — homebuilders are seeking compensation from the manufacturing companies and developers for damages including:

• Medical costs for health problems associated to the defective drywall
• Construction costs to cover renovations
• Costs to cover damages electronics and hosing systems such as pipes, wires and air-conditioning units

According to Gonzalez the only solution to the defective drywall is to completely gut the homes and renovate. This is an expensive process and he believes the companies responsible should have to pay. Investigations are still underway regarding potential health risks, although there have been complaints of the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Asphyxiation
• Unconsciousness
• Extreme irritation

(Source: Law.com)

If you suspect that your home contains defective drywall, you may be eligible to recover compensation for any damages you have experienced. For more information or to schedule a consultation with an experienced product liability attorney, please contact RodaNast, P.C. today.