Defective construction materials, such as Chinese Drywall

The Birmingham, Alabama firm of Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC is investigating claims related to property damage and personal injury claims caused by drywall manufactured in China. The Chinese drywall in question was imported into the United States between 2005 and 2007 when active hurricane seasons and a housing boom created a severe shortage of building materials particularly in the southern United States. An article in the New York Times on November 23, 2009 explained that “federal investigators reported that a strong association exists between chemicals in Chinese drywall installed in thousands of homes during the housing boom and electrical problems in those homes. In addition, investigators said that drywall was a possible cause of respiratory problems reported by homeowners, brought on by hydrogen sulfide gas emitted from the imported drywall in combination with formaldehyde, which is common in new homes.”

Homeowners, particularly on the Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coasts, report that the drywall emits an odor much like that of rotten eggs and is causing electrical systems and electrical appliances in new homes to fail quickly. Homeowners also complain of health problems including respiratory ailments related to the odor being given off by the imported Chinese drywall. Investigators with the United States Product Safety Commission have confirmed that the most likely culprit of these problems have linked these problems to exposure to imported Chinese drywall. It is estimated that more than 60,000 homes were built using imported Chinese drywall. The scope of the problem with Chinese drywall is not completely understood and additional studies are being done to better understand the long-term corrosive effects of Chinese drywall as well as the health consequences of short and long-term exposure to its emissions.

If you or someone you know have built a new home within the last five years and are experiencing problems with the electrical or plumbing systems in your new home or you have noticed peculiar odors in your new home, call the Birmingham, Alabama firm of Burke, Harvey & Frankowski for a free initial consultation. Our lawyers are licensed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas and we are investigating Chinese drywall claims for individual homeowners or commercial property owners. You can reach our Birmingham, Alabama offices toll-free at (888) 880-9046.