Back in November, I wrote about the dangers of Chinese drywall to one’s health and home appliances. I concluded the post by suggesting that those who were duped by the manufacturers of these boards that contain dangerous toxins must seek retribution.
Well, these people are starting to get justice as the first court ruling awarded $2.6 million to seven Virginia families. Two homeowners received almost $500,000 each. Aside from the damages given, U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon ordered that the drywall be replaced and other home items as well. The Miami Herald reports, “The judge ruled that all of the drywall from these homes, even if some of it was not manufactured in China, along with electrical components, sprinklers and gas lines, air conditioners, carpeting, wood flooring, cabinets, countertops, moldings, bathroom fixtures and insulation, among other items, must be replaced. Homes would have to be aired out for up to a month, cleaned with HEPA vacuum or power washed. And families are entitled to payment for the four to six months they have to leave their houses while repairs are made, the ruling said. Fallon said the average cost per square foot to repair the homes in Virginia would be $86.”
Sure, it would probably cost more to gut the homes than its current value but that’s how things must be done. Fallon’s guidelines simply follow the Consumer Protection Safety Commission that calls for the removal of the drywall and the electrical fire alarm systems that have corroded due to toxicity. The North Carolina judge’s ruling should be emulated by other federal judges who are currently reviewing complaints (with more to come) against manufacturers.
So there it goes – the first successful ruling in a long battle against irresponsibility in manufacturing. It goes to show that in this country, inferior products that have caused much damage to health doesn’t end with its recognition alone. Justice is served to those who have experienced inhaling fetid air that is emitted.
Andy Denton is the COO of www.Realty.com. Realty.com is a real estate search portal, dedicated to connecting home buyers and sellers to trusting real estate services. Follow the Realty.com blog for up to date housing news and trends. And monitor local mortgage rates at RealtyGadget.com.
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