Chinese drywall trial postponed until later this week January 26, 2010

Monday, January 25 2010 was expected to mark the beginnings of the Chinese drywall trials in the Eastern District of New Orleans.  Instead, parties learned there will be a slight delay.

WAVY news reported the trial has been pushed back to later in the week.

The trial has been a longtime in the making.  WAVY News reported that one homeowner suffered for months.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released a report that confirmed what many homeowners have been claiming: Chinese drywall contained high levels of hydrogen sulfide.  This compound is believed to be the source of foul, noxious, and unbearable odors – not to mention – respiratory problems and corrosion.

The multidistrict litigation process is a consolidation of certain cases in federal court.  Seven local homeowners plan to appear in the upcoming federal trial in New Orleans.  Sources say that the trial is expected to take place Thursday or Friday.

While it may seem odd that only seven families are appearing in the federal trial, the outcome will have much broader implications.  According to WAVY News, “it will play an important role in deciding the outcome of future Chinese drywall trials.”

The defendant, Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd. will most likely not appear or attend the trial.  The company, owned by the Chinese government, may decide to settle eventually, but experts say it could take some time.

On the legislative front, two bills may offer homeowners some relief.  SB 471 and SB 298 – these bills would prohibit insurance providers from canceling policies based upon the discovery of Chinese drywall, and would seek to impose penalties on suppliers that knowingly use defective drywall.