Chinese drywall lawsuits are civil legal matters in which those who allege that they have been injured by or sustained a loss as a result of defective Chinese drywall seek monetary compensation for their injuries, losses, pain and suffering. Chinese drywall litigation arose out of findings that use of some drywall imported by the U.S. from China between 2004 and 2008 was causing:
- Structural damage to homes by corroding plumbing fixtures, causing household appliances to stop working, and emitting foul odors (smelling like rotten eggs)
- Health complications, including recurring headaches, sinus infections, breathing difficulties, skin/eyes/nose irritation, etc.; it’s crucial to note that the long-term health effects associated with exposure to Chinese drywall are still unknown and being investigated by researchers. Some experts contend that long-term exposure can cause permanent nerve damage, lung cancer and fatality
Background on Chinese Drywall Lawsuits
According to the Associated Press, more than 540 million pounds of Chinese drywall was imported by the U.S. and was used to construct about 65,000 homes nationwide.
Although most of the homes that were built with Chinese drywall wall were in the southern states due to the wreckage caused by the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, reports filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have come from 40 U.S. states, Washington D.C., America Samoa and Puerto Rico, as Chinese drywall was also a popular building material during the housing boom.
Because Chinese drywall is a friable material (meaning that, as it ages, it crumbles easily and sends toxic particles into the air), it is more likely to break down faster when placed in the climate of the southern U.S. (as opposed to colder climates). As a result, many of the most recent Chinese drywall lawsuits have been filed by plaintiffs in these states. However, Chinese drywall litigation is expected to increase throughout the U.S. in coming years, as:
- The public becomes increasingly aware of the risks associated with Chinese drywall
- Defective Chinese drywall in colder climates starts to break down and cause structural and/or health damage.
How to Start a Chinese Drywall Lawsuit
Those who suspect that they have endured a loss or injury due to defective Chinese drywall can learn more about their legal rights and entitlements by attending a free, no obligations initial consultation with a skilled Chinese drywall lawyer.
