Knauf Says Verdict in Fla. Against Banner Precludes Upcoming Trial

MIAMI - Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. has moved for summary judgment in Florida, arguing that the plaintiffs are collaterally estopped from re-litigating apportionment of fault at trial because the drywall manufacturer was already found liable in a prior trial against Banner Supply Co. Seifart v. Knauf Gips KG, et al., No. 09-38887 CA 42 (Fla. Cir. Ct., Miami-Dade Cty.).

The motion, filed Sept. 8 in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court, says that Armin and Lisa Seifart are not entitled to a "second bite at the apple" by way of their upcoming trial against Knauf because jurors found the manufacturer 35 percent …