Reinsurance and Insolvency
11/18/2009 11:55:23 AM EST
“Up Against A Chinese Drywall” EAPD Webinar
Recent Developments in the Ongoing Products Liability and Coverage Litigation
Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP
The Insurance and Reinsurance Department of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge held a 60 minute complimentary webinar entitled "Up Against A Chinese Drywall: Recent Developments in the Ongoing Products Liability and Coverage Litigation" on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. During the building boom years from 2002 to 2007, including reconstruction efforts in the Gulf Coast states following the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, a shortage of domestic drywall forced many builders to purchase and install drywall that was manufactured in China. As a result., this "Chinese drywall" was installed across the country, predominantly in Florida.
In late 2008, when the Florida Department of Health (DOH) learned about problems potentially caused by Chinese drywall, it commissioned a study. Homeowners told the DOH that the drywall emits a sulfur-like smell and corrodes copper wiring, causing electrical appliances to fail. Some homeowners have also complained about respiratory and other health problems allegedly associated with the product, Shortly thereafter, federal legislators enlisted the assistance of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) where testing continues. The CPSC has now received more than 1,500 reports from 27 states. the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed alleging both property damage and bodily injury in numerous jurisdictions.
Presenters Elaine Johnson James and John David Dickenson of EAPD's Insurance and Reinsurance Department discussed in detail the past, present and expected future of the Chinese drywall debacle and provided an update on recent and expected developments in the Chinese Drywall federal Multi-District Litigation, as well as an overview of the numerous associated insurance coverage issues.
PASSWORD: Webinar1027 (case sensitive)
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