Access To Justice

Thousand of anxious homeowners will be watching the proceedings in a New Orleans courtroom as a bellwether trial involving tainted Chinese drywall gets underway there.

The test case before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon is “part of a national consolidated litigation of more than 2,000 cases,” writes Tampa Bay Online.  As such, it likely could set a precedent for the handling of such claims, which is why homeowners with potentially defective drywall in their residences are awaiting its outcome.

Chinese drywall used in new home construction and renovations in the United States has been associated with the release of toxic sulfur compounds that can cause extensive damage to residential wiring, air conditioning and other electrical appliances, as well as potential health risks for homeowners. It is estimated that defective drywall may have been used in as many as 100,000 homes nationwide, particularly in Florida.

Tampa Bay Online also reports that last week Florida officials asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide disaster relief to homeowners impacted by bad drywall. The agency said it would review the request.