WAVY.com has investigated homeowner’s defective Chinese drywall problems for more than a year. But renters are starting to add their voices to those dealing with a sulfur odor, corroded wiring, and unexplained health problems.

Cheryl Radcliff rented a home in Williamsburg in November of 2009.

“You know, [we] wanted a new start in Williamsburg, and walked into a toxic environment. It’s just been unbelievable,” she said. Radcliff said everyone in her family started getting sick shortly after they moved in to the home on Chanticleer Court.

Read more at The Virginia Gazette.

The six-person jury ruled that Armin and Lisa Seifart should receive more than just the costs of gutting and renovating their home: they were also awarded damages for loss of enjoyment of the $1.6 million house and for the drywall stigma that might reduce its resale value.

Read more at Associated Press.

Last week, the Louisiana Senate Insurance Committee unanimously approved the bill and sent it to the floor of the senate. Baron & Budd attorney Burton LeBlanc testified before the committee, along with Baron & Budd client Shannon Schulz. See related story. On Monday, the Louisiana Senate unanimously approved the bill as well.

Read more at www.protectingwhatsright.baronbudd.com

BATON ROUGE, La., April 22 /PRNewswire/ — Baron & Budd, P.C. shareholder Burton LeBlanc spoke today before the Louisiana Senate Insurance Committee in support of a bill that would provide certain protections for Louisiana homeowners dealing with Chinese drywall in their homes.

Senate Bill 595, sponsored by Louisiana Senator Julie Quinn, would prohibit insurance companies from canceling or “non-renewing” policies for homeowners who make a Chinese drywall claim. It would also require policies that have already been canceled or non-renewed to be reinstated.

Homeowners with Chinese drywall described the circumstances so many homeowners are facing. Their insurance companies have denied their claim for Chinese drywall, but if they move out and fix the problem themselves, they will cancel the policy because the home is left vacant. If they don’t remove the Chinese drywall, the insurers are failing to renew because the home is not in a livable condition. And if the policy is canceled or lapses, they cannot get other coverage and end up in default on their mortgages.

“These homeowners are left in a terrible Catch 22,” says LeBlanc. “Senator Quinn has been a great advocate for Louisianans dealing with Chinese drywall, and passage of this bill is critical to protect individuals from losing their homes while they struggle with remediation and resolve claims related to their Chinese drywall.”

Senate Bill 595 was reported favorable by the committee and next will be sent to the floor of the Louisiana Senate for consideration.

Watch video of the Insurance Committee session.

About Baron & Budd, P.C.

Dallas-based Baron & Budd, P.C., with offices in Baton Rouge, Austin and Beverly Hills, is a nationally recognized firm with more than three decades of experience representing people and communities harmed by corporate negligence. The firm resolved one of the first asbestos cases in the United States in the 1970s and continues to serve people diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer as well as communities and consumers dealing with the costs of fraud and corporate misconduct.

SOURCE Baron & Budd, P.C.

Millions of boards of the noxious drywall were imported into the U.S. from China after the hurricane season of 2005 resulted in a shortage of domestic drywall. Now, homeowners have brought suit against the manufacturers in a New Orleans federal court.

Senator Bill Nelson of Florida stated that while not yet proven, he is convinced that the drywall causes health problems and that the Chinese companies must compensate homeowners and families for their damages.

To view the video of the broadcast, go to MSNBC.com.

Bankrupt Builders

For those who have a builder that has filed for bankruptcy, including WCI Communities, Tousa (parent of Engle Homes), Oriole Homes, Mercedes Homes and Woodside Homes, there may be some additional things that you must do in order to preserve you claim. Please contact us to discuss your legal rights.

Unlike a class action, in this action, damages will differ for each homeowner and each homeowner will be able to decide whether to accept or reject any settlement offer.

The Plaintiffs Steering Committee just announced that it will be filing three more Omnibus Complaints in the MDL for claimants who have: (a) drywall manufactured by someone other than Knauf; (b) unknown manufactur- ers of drywall; and (c) KPT manufactured drywall (a second chance for those who missed the initial deadline). The deadline is January 15, 2010.

How do I find out the manufacturer of my drywall? Contrary to many articles, drywall markings in your attic are not necessarily indicative of whether you have Chinese drywall in other areas of your home. Further, your home may contain several different brands of drywall. For these reasons, it is important to have your home inspected by a qualified Chinese drywall inspector.

If you have not already retained an attorney and would like to discuss your legal rights, please complete this form and you will be contacted within 24 hours.

If you do not wish to use this form, you may also reach contact us at: info@chinesedrywallattorneys. com or call (561) 477-7800.