Drywall Installers May Be Liable for Damages, Fla. Judge Rules

MIAMI - A judge presiding over hundreds of state court Chinese drywall claims in Florida has refused to dismiss strict liability claims asserted against installers of the allegedly defective product. In Re: Chinese Drywall Litigation, No. 09-200000-CA-42 (Fla. Cir. Ct., Miami-Dade Cty.)

Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Joseph P. Farina ruled June 17 that because the installers were in the chain of distribution and profited from the sale of the drywall, they may be considered among those subject to strict liability claims asserted by homeowners.

The installers, who also argued that they should not be subjected to plaintiffs' claims for negligence, …