Two Miami-based law firms have launched the latest class action lawsuit targeting manufacturers of Chinese drywall.
The plaintiffs, Jason Harrell and Melissa Harrell, filed suit against Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd., a Chinese company that manufactured the defective drywall installed by their homeâs builder, South Kendall Construction Corp.
The Harrells purchased a $360,000 home in the Pine Isles portion of Keys Gate in January 2008, and moved there with their two children, according to the complaint filed by them on behalf of all similar Florida homeowners with Chinese drywall problems in their homes.
The Harrells allege that drywall installed in their new home, and those of their neighbors, emits destructive and harmful toxins and renders the homes "essentially uninhabitable."
âThe Harrells thought they were buying their dream home,â attorney Joseph Givner said in a press release. âInstead, they stepped into a nightmare.â
Problems with drywall from two Chinese manufacturers have been identified in some South Florida homes built in 2005 and 2006. State officials are tracking more than 70 complaints associated with various builders.
The complaints include an odor of rotten eggs, metal corrosion in air conditioners and health complaints. Eight complaints come from homeowners in Miami-Dade County, two in Palm Beach County and one in Broward.
Knauf has acknowledged the complaints about its drywall. The first class action was filed Jan. 30 Âon behalf of homeowners by a Bonita Springs law firm. Another product liability case was filed this week by Miami-based homebuilder Lennar Corp. Those suits targeted Knauf and another manufacturer, along with suppliers and installers.
Attempts to reach South Kendall Construction and principal Patrick Gleber on Thursday afternoon were not successful. Two weeks ago, Gleber told the Business Journal his company was investigating the extent of the problem at Keys Gate.
Knauf has refuted similar claims in other lawsuits and vowed to defend itself in court. The company has also said its tests showed no human health threat from the drywall.
Other defendants in the Harrell class action include Banner Supply Co. of Miami, exporter Rothchilt International, Keys Gate Realty and 10 other unnamed companies.
The lawsuit was brought by Higer Lichter & Givner and the Blumstein Law Firm.