Judge Refuses to Transfer Va. Homeowners' Drywall Dispute to New Orleans

NORFOLK, Va. - A federal trial court judge in Virginia has refused to move a first-party Chinese drywall coverage action to the MDL court in New Orleans, determining that the requested venue is not one where the case may have been brought when it was initially filed. Travco Insurance Co. v. Ward, No. 10-14 (E.D. Va.).

Judge Robert G. Doumar ruled March 30 that the homeowners' coverage dispute belongs in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia based on the fact that the dispute arose in Virginia and the residence at issue is located there.

The case …