Jury considers damages in 1st US trial of Chinese drywall, expected to set standard for others
By Curt Anderson, APThursday, June 17, 2010
Jury mulls damages in Fla. Chinese drywall case
MIAMI — A jury in Florida is deliberating how much in damages to award in the nation’s first trial of a Chinese drywall lawsuit.
Attorneys say the verdict in the case of Armin and Lisa Seifart of Miami will set a standard for similar trials in Florida and elsewhere.
The Seifarts are seeking more than $4.3 million for what they say is the loss of their home’s enjoyment and other damages. Drywall seller Banner Supply is willing only to pay for certain costs, such as repairs to the Seifarts’ home.
Chinese drywall has been linked to possible health problems along with a noxious odor, corrosion of wiring, computers, doorknobs and jewelry.
Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed nationwide over the problem. Some cases have been settled.
