NEW ORLEANS – A couple has brought a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturers and distributors of sulfur-laden drywall made in China, claiming the product is defective.
Stephen and Diane Brooke filed the suit Nov. 23 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council; Taishan Gypsum Co. LTD, formerly known as Shandong Taihe Dongxin Co. LTD; Tai'an Taishan Plasterboard Co. LTD; Beijing New Building Materials Public Limited Co.; China National Building Material Co. LTD; Beijing New Building Materials (Group) Co. LTD; and China National Building Materials Group Corp.; alleging negligence, breach of warranty and other counts.
According to the complaint, the drywall contains an excessive amount of sulfur, causing corrosion to the wiring, plumbing, appliances and other property in the buildings in which it is used. The plaintiffs claim the defendants were aware of the defects, yet continued making the product available to homeowners.
The plaintiffs seek a jury trial and damages of more than $5 million. They are represented by attorney Richard J. Serpe of the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe in Norfolk, Virginia, and by Arnold Levin, Fred S. Longer and Matthew C. Gaughan of Levin, Fishbein, Sedran & Berman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:15-CV-06632