Class actions are a common and popular legal tool for cases involving a large group of people who share the same grievance against a defendant. Specifically, the plaintiffs have to have a real and actual interest in order to join a class action. An issue may arise however, if a plaintiff’s interest is called into
In Oakdale, Louisiana, on March 8th, 2000, a pressurized tank owned by Arizona Chemical Co., Inc., containing a heat transfer fluid over-heated. The tank had a safety shut off valve which failed, resulting in the short-term release of chemical vapor into the air. The vapor, containing biphenyl and phenyl oxide, drifted toward the home of
In a recent decision, a Palm Beach County, Florida, judge ruled that because homebuilders did not manufacture the defective drywall that eventually caused damage to homes, and because they were not within the “chain of distribution,” they could not be held strictly liable for the alleged defects. Strict liability would make it easier for a
For thousands of homeowners, an unwelcome companion lives with them every day, without their consent and sometimes without their knowledge. This unwelcome housemate is known as Chinese drywall. This dangerous defective material was utilized in a multitude of homes between 2001 to 2007, when it was imported from China. The drywall has created an unhealthy
Thousands of families have recently been displaced by cheap Chinese drywall which, after being installed, begins to rot and emit a sulfur-like smell so pungent that the homeowners can’t stay inside. Worse yet, the price of removing it is almost prohibitively high, turning new homes into tear-downs. The problematic drywall was imported following an increase
Toxic chinese drywall that was installed in many Louisiana homes has been discovered to emit sulfur, methane, and other toxins. The drywall is thought to be responsible for homeowner’s health problems and a variety of damage to household appliances. Just recently, a federal judge in New Orleans awarded several homeowners $2.6 million against Chinese drywall
In a sign of progress for those homeowners who have found themselves buried under the burden of defective Chinese drywall installed in their home, recent court rulings have shown a lot of hope. The federal judge in charge of consolidating and creating a general premise for rulings involving the faulty imported wallboard, Judge Eldon Fallon,
Toxic Chinese drywall that was installed in many Orleans Parish homes has been discovered to emit sulfur, methane, and other toxins. The drywall is thought to be responsible for homeowner’s health problems and damage to household appliances. If you have been forced from your home due to toxic Chinese drywall and are now suffering to
In a sign that indicates positive news for those looking to the stock market in the wake of the Chinese drywall problem, Travelers Insurance has shown limited exposure to the faulty import market. According to the Nasdaq news line, the company has only seen a little over 50 claims tied to the toxic wallboard. The
In what appears to be a promising development for those who have found themselves the victim of Chinese drywall installed in their home, the government has taken steps to insure that insurers will back their policy holders. As the faulty imported wallboard has been a serious problem for many, insurance companies have begun dropping those
Jeffrey Berniard is a specialized injury attorney with over 21 years of experience fighting for Louisiana families.