Nearly 4K may get damages in Chinese drywall suit

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that nearly 4,000 homeowners who say Chinese drywall ruined their homes are eligible to share any further damages he may award in lawsuits against a government-owned manufacturer that failed to show up in court.

Attorney Leonard Davis of New Orleans said Monday that notices were sent Friday to the homeowners in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Virginia, Texas and Alabama.

U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon certified all plaintiffs in nine lawsuits last week as members of a class-action suit against Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd.

In 2010, Fallon ordered Taishan and related defendants to pay $2.7 million to owners of seven homes in Virginia.

Fallon held the companies in contempt of court in July for ignoring court proceedings over harm done by the drywall.