Russ M. Herman
GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish developer have sued numerous defendants for allegedly providing defective materials to them.
Westchase Development, LLC filed suit against Jose Garcia, Dufrene Building Materials, Inc., Building Materials Wholsale, Inc., Just-Right Supply, Inc., A&R Supply of Ms. Hoaward L. Ehler, Jr., Rick L. Stockett, Diana Stockett, R.L. Stockett & Associates and their insurers in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on July 12.
Westchase Development claims it renovated an apartment complex located at 1013 Manhattan Blvd in Harvey using drywall and other building materials received from the various suppliers and distributors including the defendants. The plaintiff claims that after a property condition assessment inspection it was found that defective Chinese drywall was installed in the property. Following the discovery Westchase Development also found the defective drywall had caused damage to the property's HVAC system, plumbing fixtures and components and electrical fixtures and components.
The defendants are accused of negligence because they should have known that the Chinese drywall off-gassed hydrogen sulfide gasses and or similar substances, should have known of the product's defects before handling it, should have known the plaintiff would be at increased risk of suffering damages and failing to exercise reasonable care.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for economic damages, damages to real and personal property, physical and mental pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress and attorney's fees and expenses.
Westchase Development is represented by Russ M. Herman of New Orleans-based Herman, Herman & Katz, LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Robert M. Murphy.
Case no. 716-957.