Settlement Talks Stall Briefing in 5th Cir. Knauf Appeal

NEW ORLEANS - Briefing has been delayed a month in Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co.'s appeal of a more than $164,000 damage award to Louisiana homeowners whose residence was damaged by the company's drywall. Hernandez v. Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., No. 10-30567 (5th Cir.).

According to an order filed Aug. 17 in the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, the deadline for Knauf's appellant brief was extended to Sept. 29 because the parties are discussing settlement and working toward a resolution of claims that led Drywall MDL Judge Eldon E. Fallon to enter judgment against the Chinese drywall manufacturer.

In …