NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal court has released $3.2 million to be divided among seven Virginia homeowners and their lawyers from a manufacturer of defective Chinese drywall.
U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon's Monday order outlines payments ranging from $67,639 to more than $363,000 to the homeowners. Attorneys' fees range from just under $29,000 to more than $155,000.
Headquartered in China's Shandong province, Taishan Gypsum Co. made the $3.2 million payment last month. Fallon had earlier held Taishan and related companies in contempt for failing to show up for earlier proceedings.
To get out of contempt and be allowed to participate in future damage hearings, Taishan agreed to the payment.
The seven cases are a precursor to a hearing later this year to determine damages for some 4,000 homeowners in multiple states.
