Chinese Drywall

Chinese Drywall Litigation

"Chinese Drywall" refers to potentially toxic gypsum drywall that was manufactured in China and imported to the United States between 2004 and 2007. Thousands of pounds of drywall were imported in response to the shortage of U.S. made drywall during the nation's building boom and after the successive hurricanes that devastated the Gulf South. "Chinese Drywall" has been found in thousands of homes in at least thirteen states. Florida and Louisiana represent the vast majority of these homes, although there are known cases in Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, New York, and possibly as far away as California and Washington, D.C.

"Chinese Drywall" is recognizable by its distinctive gray color and crumbling texture. It is also identifiable if it contains stamps stating "Made in China," as well as the hallmarks of known manufacturers, including but not limited to Knauf and Knauf Tianjin, whose name stamp and blue and gold striped lining can be seen directly on the board itself. Further, "Chinese Drywall" may exhibit a sulfuric odor similar to "rotten eggs."

A multitude of problems are associated with "Chinese Drywall." These include: A smell of sulfur (similar to either rotten-eggs or a match light); the corrosion and frequent replacement of air conditioning coils, systems and Freon lines; malfunction of major appliances; malfunction of televisions, computers, telephone and entertainments systems; corrosion of electrical wiring seen as blackened wire; discoloration and deterioration to silver, including jewelry and tea sets; pitting of mirrors and stainless steel fixtures. Further, nose bleeds, itchy eyes, respiratory trouble, headaches, and vision troubles have been reported. This is not a comprehensive list and other problems may be associated with exposure to "Chinese Drywall." The problems associated with "Chinese Drywall" are caused by the off-gassing of toxins due to high heat and humidity.

You may determine if you have "Chinese Drywall" through inspection of your home, including attic spaces, air conditioning containment areas, bathrooms and electrical outlets. Thus far, our inspectors have identified dozens of homes with "Chinese Drywall" and have seen serious property damage and personal injury.

In June of 2009, all lawsuits filed in Federal Courts were transferred to Judge Eldon E. Fallon in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana as part of Multi-District Litigation (MDL) Number 2047. Judge Fallon has stated his intent to move the cases on a fast-track and will be moving forward quickly. Russ M. Herman was appointed Liaison Counsel by Pre-Trial Order Number 3. The law firm of Herman, Herman, Katz & Cotlar, LLP, is pursuing "Chinese Drywall" claims vigorously and has the experience and background to successfully litigate these claims.



	THE FIRM ATTORNEYS PRACTICE AREAS CLIENTS & CASES OUR CLIENTS FIRM NEWS & EVENTS STAFF & FACILITIES CONTACT US		Chinese Drywall Litigation "Chinese Drywall" refers to potentially toxic gypsum drywall that was manufactured in China and imported to the United States between 2004 and 2007. Thousands of pounds of drywall were imported in response to the shortage of U.S. made drywall during the nation's building boom and after the successive hurricanes that devastated the Gulf South. "Chinese Drywall" has been found in thousands of homes in at least thirteen states. Florida and Louisiana represent the vast majority of these homes, although there are known cases in Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, New York, and possibly as far away as California and Washington, D.C. "Chinese Drywall" is recognizable by its distinctive gray color and crumbling texture. It is also identifiable if it contains stamps stating "Made in China," as well as the hallmarks of known manufacturers, including but not limited to Knauf and Knauf Tianjin, whose name stamp and blue and gold striped lining can be seen directly on the board itself. Further, "Chinese Drywall" may exhibit a sulfuric odor similar to "rotten eggs." A multitude of problems are associated with "Chinese Drywall." These include: A smell of sulfur (similar to either rotten-eggs or a match light); the corrosion and frequent replacement of air conditioning coils, systems and Freon lines; malfunction of major appliances; malfunction of televisions, computers, telephone and entertainments systems; corrosion of electrical wiring seen as blackened wire; discoloration and deterioration to silver, including jewelry and tea sets; pitting of mirrors and stainless steel fixtures. Further, nose bleeds, itchy eyes, respiratory trouble, headaches, and vision troubles have been reported. This is not a comprehensive list and other problems may be associated with exposure to "Chinese Drywall." The problems associated with "Chinese Drywall" are caused by the off-gassing of toxins due to high heat and humidity. You may determine if you have "Chinese Drywall" through inspection of your home, including attic spaces, air conditioning containment areas, bathrooms and electrical outlets. Thus far, our inspectors have identified dozens of homes with "Chinese Drywall" and have seen serious property damage and personal injury. In June of 2009, all lawsuits filed in Federal Courts were transferred to Judge Eldon E. Fallon in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana as part of Multi-District Litigation (MDL) Number 2047. Judge Fallon has stated his intent to move the cases on a fast-track and will be moving forward quickly. Russ M. Herman was appointed Liaison Counsel by Pre-Trial Order Number 3. The law firm of Herman, Herman, Katz & Cotlar, LLP, is pursuing "Chinese Drywall" claims vigorously and has the experience and background to successfully litigate these claims.