2.4 million Awarded in first Chinese drywall lawsuit
Many of us here in Tennessee and across the country may have read reports or seen the news about foul smelling Chinese drywall and the problems it can cause for many homeowners and people across the country and right here to the residents of Tennessee. However, this is the first trial about the drywall reports.
Armin and Lisa Seifart, a Florida couple left their dream home because of the foul smelling Chinese drywall and was awarded 2.4 million in damages in the nation’s first trial over the defective drywall that will come up in many lawsuits in the future. The jury felt that the couple deserved more than just compensation for gutting and renovation and awarded damages for the loss of enjoyment of their 1.6 million home and damages for the loss of resale value caused by the drywall stigma. This case is only the beginning of what some people may be able to seek in Chinese drywall damages.
The Seifarts were not told of the drywall problem when they moved in, in March of 2008. They accuse the Banner Supply Company, of concealing knowledge it had as early as 2006 of the drywall problems including recommendations from the manufacturer Knauf Plasterboard Tianjian that they think the wallboards should not be used.
Banner’s attorney Todd Ehrenreich only acknowledged some of the blame and only wanted to pay the couple direct expenses, arguing that the “hidden and undetectable” and that the problem may not become clear until years later. The jury held Banner fifty-five percent responsible and felt that and that Knauf and two related entities were responsible for the rest.
This case follows one in Louisiana where a federal judge awarded 2.6 million in damages to seven families in Virginia for bad Chinese drywall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recommended removing any bad drywall, affected wiring, fire alarm systems, and gas pipes.
If you or a loved one may have been affected by this bad drywall or have concerns about it, please contact one of our experienced and caring Tennessee defective product attorneys right away. We will hear your case and make sure that you get the compensation you deserve for the damages to your home and property. Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
