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=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%201%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW ORLEANS - Parties in the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation provided a progress update on April 24 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=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%202%20(2012)&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 May 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=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%203%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW ORLEANS - The federal judge in Louisiana presiding over the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation on March 29 ordered the creation of a program to develop a procedure to handle already remediated homes under a settlement that would resolve thousands of claims involving defective drywall manufactured by Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin (KPT) (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=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%204%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Court of Appeals on April 19 remanded a construction defects action involving a newly built home to the trial court for a recalculation of the appropriate amount of damages (Consulting and Financial Services Inc., et al. v. John H. Friedmann Sr., No. M2011-00093-COA-R3-CV, Tenn. App.; 2012 Tenn. App. LEXIS 254). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%205%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW ORLEANS - The Fourth Circuit Louisiana Court of Appeal on April 25 remanded a construction defects action that ended in a verdict for the plaintiffs so the trial court could recalculate the amount of damages due to the homeowners (Sonjia Joseph, et al. v. Campanella Kent, et al., No. 2011-CA-1354, La. App., 4th Cir.; 2012 La. App. LEXIS 561). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%206%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank MADISON, Wis. - A Wisconsin Court of Appeals panel on April 19 affirmed dismissal of an action involving the alleged faulty construction of a new home, concluding that after settling with the general contractor, the homeowners failed to prove damages against subcontractors that worked on the project (Kenneth F. Sullivan Co. v. Kenneth Keryluk, et al., No. 2011AP228, Wis. App., Dist. 4; 2012 Wisc. App. LEXIS 324). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%207%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case name: 3365 20th Street Owners Association v. 3365 20th Associates LLC, et al. Case number: CGC-11-511709 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%208%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A split First District Florida Court of Appeal panel on April 17 granted summary judgment to a pair of defendants in a construction defects action, concluding that the plaintiffs' claims for a faulty heating and air conditioning system were barred by the statute of limitations (William G. Graney, et al. v. Caduceus Properties, et al., No. 1D11-2700, Fla. App., 1st Dist.; 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 5814). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%209%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The Fourth District California Court of Appeal on April 20 affirmed summary judgment for a construction company named as a third-party defendant in a suit over a defective storm drain system, concluding that the company is not responsible because of an indemnity provision in the construction contract (Admar Management Co., et al. v. C.P. Construction Company Inc., No. E052207, Calif. App., 4th Dist.; 2012 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 2980). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2010%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW HAVEN, Conn. - A Connecticut Superior Court judge on March 8 granted a motion to strike filed by the defendant in a case seeking indemnification for a construction defects action, ruling that a firm that reviewed allegedly faulty structural plans was not responsible for mistakes in preparing the plans (Michael Horton Associates Inc. v. Calabrese & Kuncas, No. NNHCV106011979, Conn. Super., New Haven Co.; 2012 Conn. Super. LEXIS 689). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2011%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case name: Tampa Bay Water v. HDR Engineering Inc. Case number: 08-cv-2446 Court: M.D. Fla. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2012%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank INDIANAPOLIS - An Indiana Court of Appeals panel on March 30 upheld a $54,962.47 award to a property owner for defects in a roofing project at his home, concluding that the trial court properly awarded damages on his counterclaim (Steinrock Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc. v. James S. McCulloch, No. 22A05-1108-CC-457, Ind. App.; 2012 Ind. App. LEXIS 147). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2013%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LINCOLN, Neb. - The Nebraska Court of Appeals on March 27 overturned a jury award for a homeowner's counterclaims for allegedly defective installation of stucco on their home, concluding that the trial court erred in giving instructions to the jury (Centurion Stone of Nebraska v. Tony Trombino, et al., No. A-11-139, Neb. App.; 2012 Neb. App. LEXIS 68). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2014%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank MOUNT VERNON, Ill. - The Fifth District Illinois Appellate Court on April 20 affirmed a trial court decision involving an alleged breach of a construction contract, concluding that the plaintiff was seeking a disproportionate amount of damages compared to the original contract price (Bill Bailey v. Terry Keeton, et al., No. 5-10-0612, Ill. App., 5th Dist.; 2012 Ill. App. Unpub. LEXIS 911). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2015%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SAN DIEGO - The Fourth District California Court of Appeal on May 1 upheld a trial court's decision to award the prevailing party in a construction contract dispute more than $300,000 in attorney fees for work performed with both written and oral contracts (Rens Masonry Inc. v. Luca Properties Inc., No. D057698, Calif. App., 4th Dist.; 2012 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 3268). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2016%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case name: City of Glendale v. FEDCON General Contractors Inc., et al. Case number: EC046196 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2017%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Court of Appeals on April 12 affirmed a $50,000 award in a construction defects action for breach of contract, disagreeing with the plaintiffs' contention that the jury should have awarded them damages on other claims brought in their complaint (Michael L. Johnson, et al. v. Todd Ford, No. E2011-00486-COA-R3-CV, Tenn. App.; 2012 Tenn. App. LEXIS 233). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2018%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank ST. LOUIS - A federal judge in Missouri on April 11 denied a motion to dismiss negligence claims brought by a mall owner due to alleged construction defects in a parking garage, ruling that the economic loss doctrine does not bar the claims (Westfield LLC, et al. v. IPC Inc., et al., No. 4:11CV155, E.D. Mo.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 50779). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2019%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHOENIX - An Arizona Court of Appeals panel on April 12 upheld a $30,000 award to a homeowner whose home had structural problems, ruling that the trial court did not err by allowing evidence about other homeowners' negative experiences with the defendant (Jane Hall v. Read Development Inc., No. 1 CA-CV 10-0175, Ariz. App., Div. 1; 2012 Ariz. App. Unpub. LEXIS 455). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2020%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank BATON ROUGE, La. - A Louisiana appeals court on March 22 reversed a ruling granting a peremptory exception that raised the issue of res judicata in favor of a construction company that was sued by homeowners who alleged that defects and a faulty foundation caused mold and other issues, finding the decision based on an unconfirmed arbitration award (Jonathan Greer, et al. v. Town Construction Co. Inc., et al., No. 2011 CA 1360, La. App., 1st Cir.; 2012 La. App. LEXIS 387). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2021%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - A New York justice on March 19 dismissed a third-party complaint filed by a landlord against a contractor, finding that a settlement between the contractor and a tenant who alleged that he suffered personal injuries caused by mold released the company from any liability (Michele K. Hsu v. Millennium Partners LLC, et al., No. 114338/2010, N.Y. Sup., New York Co.; 2012 NY Slip Op 30685U). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2022%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank KEY WEST, Fla. - Construction defect resolution experts LiMa Solutions announced May 1 that it is hosting a symposium July 26-27 titled "Drawing a Line at the Bottom Line - Strategies for Reducing Construction Defect Litigation Costs." http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%201%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW ORLEANS - The federal judge in Louisiana presiding over the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation on March 5 ordered all claims involving Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin (KPT) drywall stayed pending settlement proceedings (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=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%202%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW ORLEANS - Parties in the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation provided a progress update on March 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=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%203%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank HOUSTON - A Texas appeals panel on March 15 affirmed a jury's award for a breach of construction contract, concluding that a subcontractor was not required to complete work on the project after the defendant's initial breach of the contract (1.9 Little York Ltd. v. Allice Trading Inc., No. 01-11-00390-CV, Texas App., 1st Dist.; 2012 Tex. App. LEXIS 2112). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%204%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Arkansas Court of Appeals on March 14 upheld a $68,307 award on counterclaims brought against a construction firm that allegedly defectively built chicken houses that resulted in lost profits for a farmer, concluding that the proof of lost-profit damages was legally sufficient (Acker Construction LLC v. Hanh Billy Tran, No. CA11-610, Ark. App.; 2012 Ark. App. LEXIS 318). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%205%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Court of Appeals on March 6 remanded a construction contract action to the trial court, ruling that an award for a contractor needed to be recalculated without the inclusion of prejudgment interest and attorney fees (William Martin Falkner, et al. v. John E. Stubbs, No. 2010-CA-01664-COA, Miss. App.; 2012 Miss. App. LEXIS 126). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%206%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank ST. PAUL, Minn. - A Minnesota Court of Appeals panel on March 5 overturned summary judgment for a contractor seeking foreclosure on a mechanic's lien in a construction contract dispute, noting that the homeowner presented evidence that the work on the project was not performed up to the specifications of the contract (The Gopher Company Inc. v. Carolyn Reuben, No. A11-959, Minn. App.; 2012 Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 181). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%207%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank BATON ROUGE, La. - The First Circuit Louisiana Court of Appeal on March 19 reduced damages awarded to the plaintiffs in a construction defects action, calling a trial court's award for nonpecuniary damages "abusively high" (Michael Matherne, et al. v. Mayhew Barnum, et al., No. 2011 CA 0827, La. App., 1st Cir.; 2012 La. App. LEXIS 356). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%208%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A federal judge in Tennessee on March 13 granted summary judgment to a mobile home manufacturer and partially granted summary judgment to a company that sold the home to a couple who claim that the property was riddled with numerous construction defects (Dan Bennett, et al. v. CMH Homes Inc., et al., No. 3:08-cv-01212, M.D. Tenn.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 33314). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%209%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank TRENTON, N.J. - A New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division panel on March 14 affirmed a decision to deny water damage claims brought by a couple that purchased a newly constructed home, concluding that the plaintiffs failed to follow the proper procedures to have the damage inspected (Joel Bradus, et al. v. Family Homes Construction LLC, No. A-5377-09T2, N.J. Super., App. Div.; 2012 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 562). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2010%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank DETROIT - A Michigan Court of Appeals panel on March 1 overturned a trial court decision to grant summary judgment to the defendants in a construction defects action involving a backed-up sewer system, concluding that the plaintiffs presented facts that a paving company was responsible for asphalt debris that was placed down a manhole (Michael Kole, et al. v. Nagle Paving Co., et al., No. 299352, Mich. App.; 2012 Mich. App. LEXIS 361). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2011%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank HOUSTON - A Texas Court of Appeals panel on March 1 reinstated negligence and negligent misrepresentation claims brought against a subcontractor and engineer named as defendants in a construction defects action, concluding that questions remain concerning the construction contract (Nicolas Barzoukas v. Foundation Design Ltd., et al., No. 14-10-00505-CV, Texas App., 14th Dist.; 2012 Tex. App. LEXIS 1619). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2012%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank ELGIN, Ill. - An Illinois Appellate Court panel on March 6 reversed a trial court decision to approve a settlement agreement between a subcontractor and property owners in a construction contract action, noting that the agreement would bar a general contractor from recovering for work performed by the subcontractor (ULS Inc. v. 27 North Walnut Partners LLC, et al., No. 2-11-0512, Ill. App., 2nd Dist.; 2012 Ill. App. Unpub. LEXIS 492). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2013%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WAUKESHA, Wis. - A Wisconsin Court of Appeals panel on March 7 affirmed a more than $1 million award to a concrete contractor that allegedly was sold a substandard product that caused defects in numerous homeowners' driveways, determining that the plaintiff "proved its damages to a reasonable certainty" (Bud's Concrete LLC v. Prairie Wisconsin Inc., et al., No. 2011AP1336, Wis. App., Dist. 2; 2012 Wisc. App. LEXIS 189). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2014%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank ST. PAUL, Minn. - A Minnesota appeals court on Feb. 6 affirmed a trial court's ruling and jury verdict for construction negligence in favor of the purchasers of a home that contained mold, finding that the trial court did not err when it refused to reduce the verdict based on the collateral-estoppel doctrine (Curtis G. Marks, et al. v. Erotas Building Corp., et al., No. A11-514, Minn. App.; 2012 Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 105). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2015%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SEATTLE - A Washington appeals panel on March 12 upheld summary judgment for a group of construction companies whose activities allegedly damaged a neighboring property, concluding that the plaintiff presented insufficient evidence to support the essential elements of his claims (Jack W. Evarone v. Lease Crutcher Lewis, et al., No. 66176-1-I, Wash. App., Div. 1; 2012 Wash. App. LEXIS 536). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2016%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CHARLESTON, S.C. - A federal judge in South Carolina on March 23 granted a motion to sever filed by construction companies named as third-party defendants in a defective home window class action, noting that the plaintiff's claims are for defective manufacturing, not defective installation (Nadine Johnson, et al. v. M.I. Windows & Doors Inc., No. 2:11-CV-0167, D. S.C.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 39811). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2017%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - The Second District California Court of Appeal on March 20 affirmed summary judgment for an attorney accused of malpractice in representing the plaintiffs in a construction defects action, concluding that the plaintiffs failed to establish damages (Mary Gaskin, et al. v. Debra Wegman, No. B230252, Calif. App., 2nd Dist.; 2012 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 2121). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2018%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Supreme Court on March 1 remanded a construction defects action to the trial court for a determination of whether a real estate company manager is liable for a judgment as the company's alter ego (Scott Webb v. Harry H. Shull, et al., No. 55153, Nev. Sup.; 2012 Nev. LEXIS 22). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2019%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Chinese Drywall Complaint Center issued a press release on March 9 demanding that President Obama publicly address the Chinese drywall situation. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%201%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW ORLEANS - Parties in the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation provided a progress update on Feb. 23 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=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%202%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank MOBILE, Ala. - Coverage for damages arising out of Chinese drywall claims is barred by the pollution exclusion contained in a commercial general liability insurance policy, an Alabama federal judge ruled Feb. 8, granting summary judgment to the insurer (QBE Insurance Corp. v. Estes Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., No. 10-456, S.D. Ala.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16159). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%203%20(2012)&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 Jan. 31 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=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%204%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CINCINNATI - An Ohio Court of Appeals panel on Feb. 24 overturned a $20,000 verdict for a condominium owner who claims to have suffered property damage from a water leak in a neighbor's unit, concluding that it was improper to apply an absolute liability standard to the defendant (William Michnowicz v. Daniel J. Hines, No. C-110048, Ohio App., 1st Dist.; 2012 Ohio App. LEXIS 640). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%205%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case name: One Hundred One Crescent Way Homeowners Association v. St. Francis Bay Inc., et al. Case number: CGC-10-497142 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%206%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Court of Appeals on Feb. 27 upheld a trial court decision to allow a claim of breach of the implied warranty of habitability to proceed in a construction defects action, concluding that the trial court did not err by denying summary judgment (John Zelenak, et al. v. ARC Construction Management LLC, et al., No. 10A01-1106-CT-247, Ind. App.; 2012 Ind. App. LEXIS 74). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%207%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Court of Appeals on Feb. 28 ruled that a trial court properly dismissed a couple's construction defects case based on the six-year statute of repose because the statute began to run when they moved into the newly constructed home (Mark Lampkin, et al. v. Tommy Thrash, et al., No. 2010-CA-01897-COA, Miss. App.; 2012 Miss. App. LEXIS 122). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%208%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - An Illinois appeals panel on Feb. 27 overturned part of a trial court decision to dismiss claims against a home builder named as the defendant in a construction defects action, remanding the case for determination of whether the defendant produced the project in a workmanlike manner (Dennis Evans, et al. v. Kevin Kirk, No. 4-11-0615, Ill. App., 4th Dist.; 2012 Ill. App. Unpub. LEXIS 404). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%209%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LAKELAND, Fla. - The Second District Florida Court of Appeal on Feb. 29 ruled that a trial court erred by denying attorney fees and costs to a couple named as defendants in a construction contract dispute, based on a settlement offer that was rejected by the plaintiff (Richard O. Wolfe II, et al. v. Culpepper Constructors Inc., No. 2D10-3228, Fla. App., 2nd Dist.; 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 3263). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2010%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Arkansas Court of Appeals on Feb. 15 upheld summary judgment for a contractor named as the defendant in a construction contract dispute, ruling that the plaintiff did not have the necessary license to legally perform work in the state (J&J Excavating v. Doyne Construction Company Inc., No. CA11-264, Ark. App.; 2012 Ark. App. LEXIS 251). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2011%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank DENVER - A Colorado Court of Appeals panel on Feb. 2 upheld summary judgment for a pair of subcontractors named as third-party defendants in a construction defects action, agreeing that the claims were time-barred (Shaw Construction LLC v. United Builder Services Inc., et al., No. 11CA2351, Colo. App.; 2012 Colo. App. LEXIS 172). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2012%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHOENIX - The Division I Arizona Court of Appeals on Jan. 31 upheld the dismissal of a real estate company from a construction defects dispute, agreeing that a couple's claims were time-barred (Keith Befort, et al. v. Dan Schwartz Realty Inc., No. 1 CA-CV 10-0742, Ariz. App., Div. 1; 2012 Ariz. App. Unpub. LEXIS 125). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2013%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LAKE CHARLES, La. - The Third Circuit Louisiana Court of Appeal on Feb. 15 upheld summary judgment for a pair of architectural firms named as defendants in a construction defects action, concluding that the plaintiff's own expert contended that the building's designs were in accordance with industry standards (City of Alexandria v. Ratcliffe Construction Co. LLC, et al., No. 11-1200, La. App., 3rd Cir.; 2012 La. App. LEXIS 176). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2014%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Supreme Court on Feb. 10 overturned a trial court decision to dismiss fraudulent concealment claims against a general contractor and mason who allegedly defectively constructed her home, noting that the defects hid the source of water infiltration in her home, tolling the statute of repose (Josephine A. Lamprey v. Britton Construction Inc., et al., No. 2010-800, N.H. Sup.; 2012 N.H. LEXIS 15). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2015%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Feb. 6 affirmed a $67,000 award for undisclosed construction defects in a couple's home, finding no errors with an arbitrator's decision (Thomas Stojsavljevic, et al. v. Trumpy Construction LLC, et al., No. A11-1010, Minn. App.; 2012 Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 116). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2016%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank HONOLULU - The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals on Feb. 16 affirmed summary judgment for two air conditioner designers named as defendants in a construction defects action, agreeing that the plaintiffs' professional negligence claims were barred by the economic loss doctrine (Leis Family Limited Partnership, et al. v. Silversword Engineering, et al., No. 29120, Hawaii App.; 2012 Haw. App. LEXIS 169). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2017%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank JACKSON, Tenn. - The Tennessee Court of Appeals on Jan. 27 affirmed summary judgment for two construction contractors named as defendants in a premises liability action filed by the parents of a child injured in a church bathroom, agreeing that the claims were time-barred based upon the construction statute of repose (Christopher J. Etheridge, et al. v. YMCA of Jackson and West Tennessee, et al., No. W2011-00495-COA-R3-CV, Tenn. App.; 2012 Tenn. App. LEXIS 54). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2018%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CANTON, Ohio - An Ohio appeals court on Jan. 26 vacated a ruling that awarded damages to homeowners for property and mold-related issues, finding that the damage to their home was the result of faulty construction and were not covered occurrences under an insurance policy issued to the builder of the property (Charles Myers, et al. v. United Ohio Insurance Co., No. 11CA000009, Ohio App., 5th Dist.; 2012 Ohio App. LEXIS 287). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2019%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Chinese Drywall Complaint Center issued a press release on Feb. 13, warning that "the health effects related to toxic Chinese drywall off gassing hydrogen sulfide are going to be super bad for people's health, including renters." http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Constr.%20Defects%2020%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Construction Defect Center announced Feb. 13 that it is beginning an initiative to investigate Chinese-made copper plumbing pipes that may not meet acceptable plumbing standards in the United States.