by Andrew Ness
Problems with drywall imported from China during the ill-fated U.S. housing boom continue to be front and center in the southeastern U.S., as complaints continue to roll in regarding health problems allegedly caused by the tainted wallboard, as well as damage to electrical and plumbing work. Naturally enough, a significant litigation boom has followed, including attempts to bring claims against the Chinese manufacturers who supplied the drywall. In a recent development, Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co., Ltd (“KPT”), a leading defendant in the consolidated federal court lawsuit against manufacturers of Chinese drywall, has agreed to accept service of process for homeowner plaintiffs who are named in an Omnibus Class Action Complaint, and to waive its right to demand service of process through the Hague Convention (saving plaintiffs the $15,000 service fee).
[Read more…]