Chinese drywall class action lawsuits consolidated in New Orleans June 24, 2009

Lawsuits have been filed around the country against Chinese drywall manufacturers. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has decided to consolidate these class action lawsuits in New Orleans. 

May 27, 2009 the Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) panel held a hearing in Louisville, Kentucky.  The hearing drew the attention and presence of attorneys from across the country that were involved in Chinese drywall lawsuits.

The initial choices for the location of the hearing included Miami, New Orleans, and Tampa.  Many Florida attorneys that are involved in lawsuits argued that the hearing should be held in Miami because a majority of the lawsuits and complaints occured there.  

In an effort to rebuild homes that were destoryed after Hurricane Katrina and Wilma, a shortage in domestic drywall forced builders to look overseas.  Chinese drywall is known to release noxious odors, corrode exposed metals, cause headaches, nosebleeds, and respiratory difficulties.

During the hearing the panel seemed to focus mostly on the individual judge than the geographical location.

The Multidistrict Litigation panel decided to send the cases to Judge Eldon E. Fallon in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Judge Fallon, who seemed please with this decision, has dealt with large multidistrict court cases in the past (Vioxx Litigation).