Recent Developments In Chinese Drywall Litigation
Since our April 2010 update, activity in Chinese drywall
litigation has intensified, culminating with the first jury trial
verdict in the country. On June 18, 2010, a Florida jury awarded a
Miami couple $2.5 million in damages against Banner Supply Co. The
verdict includes remediation costs as well as $1.7 million for loss
of enjoyment of the home and diminished value in the home. The
plaintiffs sought over $4 million in damages for negligence and
loss of value of their home while Banner Supply Co. sought to pay
only actual expenses incurred. The Banner Supply Co. verdict is
seen as a bellweather case in Chinese drywall litigation because it
is the first jury verdict; the previous rulings have been issued by
the federal court in the multi-district litigation (MDL) in New
Orleans (In re: Chinese- Manufactured Drywall Products
Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2047 (E.D. La.)). More than
2,100 plaintiffs have filed lawsuits
