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GEORGIA BUILDING MAKER SETTLES DEFECTIVE PRODUCT SUIT FOR $103M


Using inferior products can lead to damage to property, personal injury or even death. Manufacturers have a responsibility to other businesses and consumers to provide quality products. Skimping for cheaper materials may lead to products wearing out sooner. A defective product can be a major concern for a Georgia resident’s business and family.

CertainTeed Corporation says it will continue with plans to open a plant in Meridian, Georgia, despite a $103 million settlement for poor fiber cement siding it had sold over the past 10 years. A lawsuit was brought against them stating that the company used inferior products in their manufacturing process that made it less resistant to water. CertainTeed denied making a defective product in the settlement. The company also settled last year for several hundred million dollars for a lawsuit claiming the manufacture of defective roof shingles.

Product liability occurs when a manufacturer or seller puts a defective product out for sale. There may be many components of responsibility, including wholesalers, suppliers and retailers. If a Georgia resident is sold a defective product they may be eligible for compensation. Georgia state law determines product liability. It is important to have clear parties identified when trying to receive financial remuneration for a defective product.

A product defect can take many forms. There can be design, marketing and manufacturing defects that lead to improper use or premature breakage. Sometimes it is difficult to adequately point to a responsible party. In the case of CertainTeed Corporation, the company settled for $103 million. Settlements can happen when the correct source for a dangerous product is identified.

Source: MS Business, “CertainTeed says $103M settlement won’t hamper Meridian restart,” Ted Carter, Dec. 6, 2013