Fla. jury awards $2.4 million damages in nation’s first trial over defective Chinese drywall

Jury awards $2.4M in first Chinese drywall trial

MIAMI — A Florida couple has been awarded more than $2.4 million in damages after the nation’s first jury trial of a Chinese drywall lawsuit.

Jurors in Miami returned the verdict Friday for Armin and Lisa Seifart in their lawsuit against drywall seller Banner Supply Co. Attorneys say the case will set important legal standards for similar lawsuits.

Defective, sulfur-emitting Chinese drywall has been linked to possible health problems along with a noxious odor, corrosion of wiring, computers, plumbing and jewelry. The Seifarts moved out of their house last year so it could be gutted and renovated.

Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed nationwide in state and federal courts over the problem. Settlements have been reached in some cases.