A polybutylene plumbing lawsuit is a good way to get compensation for a leaky pipe. Unfortunately, this material doesn’t last long, and it can lead to significant water damage. If you live in a house built before the pipes were banned, leaks can go undetected for years, leaving you with mold and deteriorating drywall. A lawsuit can help you get back the value of your home and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re not alone.
There are numerous cases of leaks caused by polybutylene pipes.
One of the largest settlements involved the cost of polybutylene pipe replacement. This type of pipe is not repairable and will have to be replaced, which can cost several thousand dollars. Fortunately, the government has stepped in and paid for some of the expenses. Listed below are some of the most common lawsuits and settlement funds relating to this problem.
In the first lawsuit, the defendants were Celanese and Shell. The latter was responsible for manufacturing the acetal resin used in fittings. This type of piping is known to have a short lifespan, and homeowners may be able to receive compensation for the leaky piping. It may also be possible to get a settlement check if the plumbing was installed before the polybutylene pipes were banned.
The second case of polybutylene plumbing litigation has been filed against Shell Oil Co., which is a large oil company.
In this case, the defendants agreed to settle for $1 billion. This settlement was important because it made homeowners eligible to get compensation for their expenses related to the replacement of their faulty polybutylene pipes. Currently, a class-action lawsuit is being considered. The settlement will likely be covered the cost of polybutylene pipe replacement.
The companies that manufacture PB plumbing systems are also responsible for the lawsuits. A federal judge dismissed a case of a similar nature filed in Arkansas against Shell in 2012. In Arkansas, the state’s Attorney General’s office has said that it will not pursue such lawsuits in the future. It is likely to take more time for the case to be resolved. Meanwhile, a class action will likely involve several defendants.
Another polybutylene plumbing lawsuit filed in Arkansas was thrown out with prejudice, so it is impossible to sue them again.
However, there is a class-action lawsuit against Shell Oil Co. that was settled for $1 billion. This class action is also a class-action suit against the manufacturer of polybutylene pipes. As a result, the manufacturer is now liable for the plumbing problems in homes across the country.
The first lawsuit against Shell Oil Co. awarded more than $100 million to victims of leaking PB plumbing. A class-action suit against Shell Oil Co. was filed in Arkansas but was dismissed with prejudice. Other claims are pending against Shell Oil Co. Currently, no one is eligible for compensation. The two lawsuits do not affect their insurance policies. You may be able to recover the full amount of damages you’re owed if your home’s PB piping was installed before the law was passed.
The other polybutylene plumbing lawsuit was settled for $120 million.
In this lawsuit, homeowners can receive compensation if they were not notified within a certain time frame. The settlement also covered the cost of replacing PB pipes in homes. If you are affected by a leak in your home, you should make sure you contact the manufacturer of the pipes and ask for a free inspection. A class-action suit against a manufacturer of PB pipes will help you get the compensation you need.
The manufacturer of polybutylene pipes says that the pipes tend to develop small holes that grow bigger over time. When you purchase a home with polybutylene piping, it is important to be aware of it. There are leaks inside the walls, and you should always be vigilant about the plumbing system in your house. While you might be able to get the insurance cover you need, a class action lawsuit may not be worth filing a case.