http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Headline Construction Defects Legal News from LexisNexis® en-us http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/images/lexismealeyslogo.gif 130 29 http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Copyright 2012 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%201%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana federal judge on April 24 gave preliminary approval for a $7.2 million settlement to fund remediation costs of Florida condo units affected by defective drywall (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%202%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - The federal judge in Louisiana presiding over the massive Chinese-manufactured defective drywall litigation issued an order on March 27 instructing plaintiffs to register to participate in five class action settlements with manufacturers, builders, suppliers and installers of Chinese drywall and their various insurers, estimated to be in excess of $1 billion (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%203%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - Parties in the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation provided a progress update on April 22 regarding a program to remediate homes in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida affected by defective drywall (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%204%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - A group of Florida condo owners filed a motion in a Louisiana federal court on April 15 seeking approval of the creation of a settlement fund to cover remediation costs of units affected by defective drywall (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%205%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Court of Appeals on April 18 determined that homeowners suing a contractor for construction defects in common areas of a subdivision were not entitled to $141,575 in attorney fees and costs, as erroneously awarded by the trial court (Raymond K. Nolin, et al. v. S&S Construction Inc., No. 20110663-CA, Utah App.; 2013 Utah App. LEXIS 99). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%206%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' DALLAS - A Texas federal magistrate judge on April 15 granted a motion to compel discovery filed by the defendant in a construction defect dispute, concluding that the plaintiffs failed to follow disclosure requirements (Johnnie Faglie Jr., et al. v. Meritage Homes of Texas LLC, No. 3:12-cv-966, N.D. Texas; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 55046). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%207%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Court of Appeals on April 22 affirmed summary judgment for a home builder named as the defendant in a construction defects dispute, agreeing that the plaintiffs' claims are time-barred (Rodney Lee, et al. v. Gorham Builders Inc., No. A12-1619, Minn. App.; 2013 Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 350). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%208%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Court of Appeals on April 5 overturned trial court decisions on cross-claims brought by homeowners in a construction contract dispute, remanding the case for further proceedings (Mark Brewer, et al. v. Kitchen Designs and Cabinetry, et al., No. M2012-01248-COA-R3-CV, Tenn. App.; 2013 Tenn. App. LEXIS 233). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%209%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Court of Appeals on March 27 affirmed a judgment for a construction company in a breach of contract action, concluding that the trial court's determination "is supported by evidence in the record" (Bobb Fostveit v. James Edward Poplin, et al., No. A145352, Ore. App.; 2013 Ore. App. LEXIS 346). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2010%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Fourth District Florida Court of Appeal on April 24 remanded a construction contract dispute to the trial court for a new trial on damages and a determination of the correct amount of a construction lien (Christos N. Kritikos, et al. v. John T. Andersen, et al., No. 4D11-43, Fla. App., 4th Dist.; 2013 Fla. App. LEXIS 6549). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2011%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A federal judge in Alabama on April 3 denied summary judgment to the plaintiff in a construction contract dispute, concluding that facts remain regarding whether construction work was performed in accordance with the contract (Otis Elevator Co. v. WG Yates & Sons Construction Co., No. 12-1708, N.D. Ala.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 48162). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2012%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' Case name: 888 Seventh Street Owners Association v. 601 King LLC, et al. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2013%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' DALLAS - The Fifth District Texas Court of Appeals on March 27 overturned a $100,000 award to a condominium owner for delays in a construction project, ordering that the plaintiff take nothing (Brent Timmerman v. Richard P. Dale Jr., No. 05-11-01690-CV, Texas App., 5th Dist.; 2013 Tex. App. LEXIS 3906). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2014%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' CARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Supreme Court on April 4 overturned summary judgment for the defendants in a construction defects action, ruling that the trial court erred in determining that the claims were time-barred based on a provision included in individual sales agreements with condo owners (Holcomb Condominium Homeowners' Association Inc. v. Stewart Venture LLC, et al., No. 57024, Nev. Sup.; 2013 Nev. LEXIS 24). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2015%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' COLUMBIA, S.C. - The South Carolina Court of Appeals on April 17 affirmed a trial court decision to deny a home builder's motion to compel arbitration in a construction defects action, "particularly in light of the lack of mutuality of remedy" in an arbitration clause in the purchase agreement (Gregory W. Smith, et al. v. D.R. Horton Inc., et al., No. 5118, S.C. App.; 2013 S.C. App. LEXIS 125). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2016%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' Case name: Cottage Lane At Windingwalk Association v. Otay MF1 LLC, et al. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2017%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' DALLAS - The Fifth District Texas Court of Appeals on April 3 overturned summary judgment on a claim for breach of the implied warranty of habitability brought against a construction firm by a homeowner, ruling that the trial court erred in considering some of the defendant's summary judgment evidence (Kay Yost v. Jered Custom Homes, No. 05-11-01589-CV, Texas App., 5th Dist.; 2013 Tex. App. LEXIS 4324). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2018%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Supreme Court on March 29 ruled that a homeowner should take nothing for damage allegedly caused by faulty construction work performed on the foundation of her home, agreeing with a Court of Appeals panel that her claims are time-barred (Nelda Gonzales v. Southwest Olshan Foundation Repair Company LLC, No. 11-0311, Texas Sup.; 2013 Tex. LEXIS 231). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2019%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' PHILADELPHIA - A Pennsylvania couple filed a complaint in federal court on March 26, contending that they were misled and sold defective windows that caused damage to their newly constructed home (Michael Spiro, et al. v. Allied Building Products Corp., et al., No. 13-1561, E.D. Pa.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2020%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LAS VEGAS - A Nevada federal judge on April 5 remanded a construction defect class action case to state court, finding that removal by the defendant construction contractor was improper (Cecelia Dawson, et al. v. Richmond American Homes of Nevada Inc., No. 2:12-cv-01563, D. Nev.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 49579). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2021%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' Case name: Robert Hovel, et al. v. 7677 Real Street LLC, et al. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2022%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LAKE CHARLES, La. - A Louisiana appeals panel on April 3 overturned summary judgment for homeowners facing personal injury claims from a construction contractor who fell from their balcony and was injured, concluding that there was not an open and obvious danger on the property (Markus Trautmann, et al. v. Charles G. Fitzgerald, et al., No. 12-1270, La. App., 3rd Cir.; 2013 La. App. LEXIS 634). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2023%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' AUSTIN, Texas - The Third District Texas Court of Appeals on May 1 upheld the dismissal of a woman's defective construction and personal injury claims, ruling that the defendants were not responsible for the injuries the woman sustained after attempting to ride her bike over a driveway entrance (Gayle Rosenthal v. Sam Boyd, et al., No. 03-11-00037-CV, Texas App., 3rd Dist.; 2013 Tex. App. LEXIS 5345). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%201%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana federal judge on Feb. 22 approved a $10 million settlement for a Florida state court action involving defective drywall that was installed in a condominium building (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%202%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' RICHMOND, Va. - Noting that the Virginia Supreme Court recently ruled that sulfuric gases released by defective Chinese drywall are pollutants, the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal on March 20 affirmed that a pollution exclusion precludes coverage for homeowners' claims arising from the installation of Chinese drywall (Evanston Insurance Co. v. Michelle Germano et al., No. 11-2082, 4th Cir.; 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 5472). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%203%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - The federal judge presiding over MDL 2047 in Louisiana on March 12 gave his approval to three defective drywall settlements, totaling $1,868,750 (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%204%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - The federal judge in Louisiana presiding over the massive Chinese-manufactured defective drywall litigation issued an order on March 14 scheduling a conference with Florida residents who have opted out of class action settlements with manufacturers, builders, suppliers and installers of Chinese drywall and their various insurers (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%205%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - The federal judge in Louisiana presiding over the massive Chinese-manufactured defective drywall litigation issued an order on March 15 instructing parties to pay fees to the homebuilders and installers liaison counsel (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%206%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - Parties in the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation provided a progress update on March 11 regarding a program to remediate homes in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida affected by defective drywall (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%207%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - The Plaintiffs' Steering Committee (PSC) in the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation provided a progress update on March 1 regarding the status of service for several omnibus class action complaints (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%208%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' WASHINGTON, D.C. - Watchdog group The Homeowners Consumer Center issued a press release on March 4 urging home buyers to insist that the drywall used in newly built homes and condominiums contains drywall that was made in the United States, not China. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%209%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' DALLAS - The Fifth District Texas Court of Appeals on March 19 overturned summary judgment on a claim for breach of the implied warranty of habitability brought against a construction firm by a homeowner, ruling that the trial court erred in considering some of the defendant's summary judgment evidence (Kay Yost v. Jered Custom Homes, No. 05-11-01589-CV, Texas App., 5th Dist.; 2013 Tex. App. LEXIS 2858). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2010%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' RICHMOND, Va. - The Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on March 4 upheld a $3,922,189 award to the plaintiff in a construction defects action, finding no errors with the trial court's calculation of damages (2300 Pennsylvania Avenue LLC v. Harkins Builders Inc., No. 12-1346, 4th Cir.; 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 4449). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2011%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Kentucky Court of Appeals on March 15 affirmed a verdict for construction contractors who claim that they were not paid for work performed on a new home, regardless of numerous building code violations on the project (Sherry Crouch, et al. v. Bobby Bilbrey, et al., No. 2011-CA-002098-MR, Ky. App.; 2013 Ky. App. Unpub. LEXIS 232). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2012%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - The Second District California Court of Appeal on Feb. 27 affirmed a trial court's decision for the defendant in a construction defects action, agreeing that the claims brought against a geologic consultant are time-barred (Bo Du, et al. v. H. Gene Hawkins, No. B235452, Calif. App., 2nd Dist.; 2013 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 1456). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2013%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BROOKLYN, N.Y. - A federal judge in New York on Feb. 28 awarded a construction company $607,200 in damages, finding that a subcontractor hired to work on a school renovation project breached the contract between the parties (Mometal Structures Inc. v. T.A. Ahern Contractors Corp., No. 09 -2791, E.D. N.Y.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27797). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2014%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN DIEGO - A California homeowners association filed a complaint in state court on Feb. 16, claiming that a home builder is responsible for more than $1.5 million in construction defects in the 16-building development (Aubrey Glen Homeowners Association v. Pulte Homes Corp., No. 37-2012-00085271-CU-CD-CTL, Calif. Super., San Diego Co.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2015%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' DALLAS - The Fifth District Texas Court of Appeals on March 21affirmed a trial court decision to confirm a take-nothing arbitration decision in a construction defects case, concluding that the plaintiff failed to present all of the evidence from the arbitration process (Beryl Goldman v. Russell Buchanan, No. 05-12-00050-CV, Texas App., 5th Dist.; 2013 Tex. App. LEXIS 3086). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2016%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - Two Louisiana couples filed a class action complaint in federal court on Feb. 24, contending that a window manufacturer knowingly sold a defective product that caused damage to customers' homes (Christy Andrews, et al. v. Pella Corp., et al., No. 13-344, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2017%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' ST. LOUIS - The Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on March 13 affirmed summary judgment for the defendants in a case involving allegedly defective windows, agreeing that the plaintiffs' claims for breach of warranty were time-barred (Bayside Holdings Ltd., et al. v. Viracon Inc., et al., No. 12-2263, 8th Cir.; 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 4973). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2018%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BATON ROUGE, La. - The First Circuit Louisiana Court of Appeal on March 27 affirmed summary judgment for homeowners named in a personal injury case involving the collapse of newly constructed stairs, ruling that the "plaintiffs failed to produce factual support sufficient to establish that they could satisfy their evidentiary burden of proof at trial on the knowledge element of their liability claim" (Randall Billiot, et al. v. Raymond Billiot, et al., No. 2012 CA 1417, La. App., 1st Cir.; 2013 La. App. Unpub. LEXIS 193). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2019%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' MINNEAPOLIS - A Minnesota federal judge on March 18 granted summary judgment for an insurer, finding that a policy issued to the builder of a townhouse complex that contained numerous construction defects clearly excluded coverage related to mold growth (MM Home Builders Inc., as assignee of Corporate 4 Insurance Agency v. Endurance American Specialty Insurance Inc., No. No. 12-374, D. Minn.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 3658). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%201%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - The federal judge in Louisiana presiding over the massive Chinese-manufactured defective drywall litigation issued an order on Feb. 7 approving five class action settlements with manufacturers, builders, suppliers and installers of Chinese drywall and their various insurers, estimated to be in excess of $1 billion (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%202%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - A defendant involved in MDL 2047 and its insurers filed an unopposed motion in a Louisiana federal court on Feb. 21, seeking approval of three defective drywall settlements totaling $1,868,750 (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%203%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - The federal judge in Louisiana overseeing MDL 2047 on Feb. 27 approved an unopposed motion to settle claims brought against a drywall supplier following a verdict in its favor in a bellwether trial (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%204%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - The Plaintiffs' Steering Committee (PSC) in the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation provided a progress update on Feb. 8 regarding the status of service for several omnibus class action complaints (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%205%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - Parties in the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation provided a progress update on Feb. 25 regarding a program to remediate homes in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida affected by defective drywall (In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:09md02047, E.D. La.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%206%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Chinese Drywall Complaint Center on Feb. 4 urged a federal court in Louisiana to reopen the identification period for what could be thousands of homeowners who have only recently realized that their homes in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana or Texas contain toxic imported Chinese drywall. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%207%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LAKE CHARLES, La. - The Third Circuit Louisiana Court of Appeal on Feb. 6 agreed to reduce damages awarded to a homeowner in a construction defects case, holding that some of the money awarded constituted duplicate damages (Mary P. Ogea v. Travis Merritt, et al., No. 12-1028, La. App., 3rd Cir.; 2013 La. App. LEXIS 192). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%208%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Court of Appeals on Jan. 30 affirmed summary judgment for the defendant in a construction defects action, agreeing with the trial court that the plaintiff's claims were time-barred (Wood Park Terrace Apartments Limited Partnership v. Tri-Vest LLC, No. A148755, Ore. App.; 2013 Ore. App. LEXIS 117). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%209%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Supreme Court on Jan. 31 affirmed a trial court's decision regarding arbitration of construction defects claims and remanded the case for a clearer determination of what defect issues will be arbitrated (Harrison County Commercial Lot v. H. Gordon Myrick Inc., No. 2010-CA-01865-SCT, Miss. Sup.; 2013 Miss. LEXIS 29). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2010%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Supreme Court on Jan. 29 upheld a trial court ruling in a construction defect action seeking to enforce a lien, agreeing that the judgment lien has expired (Allen F. Grazer v. Gordon A. Jones, et al., No. 38852, Idaho Sup.; 2013 Ida. LEXIS 34). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2011%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' TRENTON, N.J. - The New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division on Feb. 22 affirmed a $95,764.85 award to homeowners who sued a contractor for construction defects in their home, concluding that the defendant "intentionally committed numerous unlawful acts" (Vivian Ying, et al. v. Frank Li, et al., No. A-5728-09T1, N.J. Super., App. Div.; 2013 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 400). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2012%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' KANSAS CITY, Kan. - A federal judge in Kansas on Feb. 27 declined to dismiss a class action involving allegedly faulty plumbing fittings installed in thousands of homes, despite a ruling in a similar class action filed in another federal court (Jimmy Hull, et al. v. Viega Inc., et al., No. 12-2086, D. Kan.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 26729). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2013%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' PHOENIX - A federal judge in Arizona on Feb. 8 dismissed a class action alleging that a development of new homes was constructed using faulty plumbing components after the named plaintiff sold his home without substituting a class representative (Jerry L. Richards, et al., v. Del Webb Communities Inc., et al., No. 11-368, D. Ariz.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 18101). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2014%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Feb. 11 remanded a construction defects action that ended in a verdict for the plaintiff to the trial court with instructions to recalculate the amount of damages against a condo association (Carole H. McMorrow v. R. E. C. Inc., et al., No. A12-0639, Minn. App.; 2013 Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 121). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2015%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - After nearly 14 months of mediation, the parties in a construction defects action over water infiltration and damage to a mixed-use building in California came to a $3.5 million settlement on Feb. 8, a source told Mealey Publications (The Park Broadway at Millbrae Homeowners Association v. Millbrae Town Plaza LP, et al., No. CIV 509722, Calif. Super., San Mateo Co.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2016%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' GRETNA, La. - The Fifth Circuit Louisiana Court of Appeal on Jan. 30 overturned summary judgment for a construction company named as a defendant in a property damage action brought by a group of neighbors, concluding that the trial court erred in dismissing the company based on government contractor immunity (Samuel Banks, et al. v. Parish of Jefferson, et al., No. 12-CA-215, La. App., 5th Cir.; 2013 La. App. LEXIS 142). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2017%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A California judge on Jan. 28 vacated a $7.14 million verdict after concluding that supporting expert opinions were "irrelevant and speculative," sources told Mealey Publications (Richard Wallace v. Monier Lifetile Inc., et al., No. S-SCV-16410, Calif. Super., Placer Co.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=14-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2018%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LANSING, Mich. - A Michigan appeals court on Feb. 14 reversed portions of a trial court's ruling in a declaratory judgment action filed by an insurer in relation to mold-related coverage claims, including a decision that found that a construction company was not entitled to penalty interest (Hastings Mutual Insurance Company v. Mosher Dolan Cataldo & Kelly Inc., No. 296791, Mich. App.; 2013 Mich. App. LEXIS 292).