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Chinese Drywall in Florida: What Are My Legal Options

If you’ve noticed a smell in your home like rotten eggs, then it could be defective Chinese drywall. This product not only emits a terrible smell, but the sulfur gasses released by this product can cause damage to your home.

At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you need to overcome the hazards posed by Chinese drywall. Please contact us today with questions.

Why is Chinese Drywall Dangerous?

Complaints about Chinese drywall first began pouring in the middle of the last decade. Homeowners began to notice that their homes smelled and that something was damaging the electrical wiring. They were right: from around 2006 to 2012, almost 550 million pounds of drywall was imported from China to feed the housing boom during the Bush years. Unfortunately, this drywall could not hold up to the Florida heat.

Corrosion caused by the drywall can damage:

  • Pipes
  • AC units
  • Electronics
  • Appliances
  • Electrical wiring

You might have to have these things replaced or repaired. If they malfunction because of corrosion, then they can lead to a fire hazard or other problems.

Many homeowners also began to suffer dangerous physical symptoms because of the emitted gasses:

  • Persistent cough
  • Headaches
  • Nosebleeds
  • Eye irritation
  • Trouble breathing
  • Sinus infections
  • Asthmatic attacks

If you have had drywall installed and begun to experience these symptoms, realize that you might have a products liability claim.

When Can You Sue?

A product that you buy should work as expected. If it does not, then it is defective and can give rise to a lawsuit. Under Florida law, you can sue the manufacturer and others up and down the chain of distribution.

Because the defective drywall is made in China, it can be hard to hold a Chinese defendant accountable in court. However, the law also allows you to sue the retailer who sold it or a wholesaler or distributor.

In some cases, American companies knew that the drywall was defective when they sold it to consumers. They conspired to keep these defects secret—a clear violation of the law. If you notice that your drywall is defective, you can receive compensation for your injuries.

Speak to a Miami Product Liability Attorney Today

Defective Chinese drywall causes health problems and property damage, and homeowners deserve answers. If you suspect your drywall is defective, give us a call. We have brought many product liability cases and will be happy to meet with you for free. To schedule an appointment, call us at 305-371-2692.