Appeals Court Reverses Decision Dismissing La. Drywall Negligence Claim

NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana state appeals court has reversed a trial judge's decision in a Chinese drywall case, reinstating negligence claims against a builder allegedly responsible for damage in the plaintiffs' New Orleans home. Friel, et al. v. Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., et al., No. 2011-CA-1032 (La. Ct. App., 4th Cir.).

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal ruled Feb. 8 that the negligence cause of action asserted by Daniel and Kathryn Friel was sufficiently pled to show that it warrants a remedy and that the Orleans Parish Court erred when it held that builder NOW Construction owed no …