Powered by LawFuel – James Hardie’s release to the Australian Stock Exchange yesterday – that it ultimately intends to “cease all manufacturing of products in New Zealand”, at the cost of some 120 Kiwi jobs – is unlikely to stall the class action brought by over 1,000 leaky home owners.
Adina Thorn, the lawyer leading the action, says the announcement is “concerning” but “not overly surprising” given the history of James Hardie with asbestos in Australia, extensive litigation in that country, and a history of major corporate restructuring.
“We have seen this kind of behaviour before. Now we are seeing a massive downsize of the New Zealand business in the face of significant litigation. Fortunately, our claim is against four other James Hardie companies – three in Australia and the parent company in Ireland. The plaintiffs allege they are each liable.
“If you ask any of the owners – they do not care “which” James Hardie company is legally liable. They just want James Hardie to take responsibility for what they say is designing, manufacturing and selling defective cladding systems and products. They also say that they knew of problems with the products and never said anything, and had a duty to warn”.
“This kind of news gives home owners more stress. Not only do they live in leaky homes in need of recladding and many have mould, they also have health problems, and now have the added worry of “what’s next” with James Hardie. This is when many of the home owners are suffering from significant stress, anxiety and depression”.
The plaintiffs in the class action have a trial in the High Court at Auckland commencing on 3 May 2021 and the trial is due to run for 20 weeks.
For further information please contact:
Adina Thorn Lawyers [email protected] +64 9 304 0661
More on LawFuel
- Would You Recommend Your Son or Daughter Become a Lawyer? “No,” Say Many in New Survey
A Singaporean survey of lawyers has shown that fewer than half the 300 lawyers …Would You Recommend Your Son or Daughter Become a Lawyer? “No,” Say Many in New Survey Read More »
- Fast Growing Aussie Law Firm Expands to New Zealand
Fast-growing Australian law firm Hamilton Locke is expanding its operations to New Zealand, with …Fast Growing Aussie Law Firm Expands to New Zealand Read More »
- When Should Users Take Legal Action Against E-Cigarette Manufacturers? Here are five examples . . .
e-cigarette usage continues, but what happens if there are product risks or the health … - Bringing in Business to Your Law Firm Can Be Easy . . . If You Use These 8 Tips
Building law firm business and law firm marketing requires 8 key things to do - ‘Lifer’ With ‘Special Gifts’ Becomes Managing Partner of Trump-Friendly Firm Jones Day
Jones Day has appointed a Jones Day ‘lifer’ as the firm’s eighth managing partner …‘Lifer’ With ‘Special Gifts’ Becomes Managing Partner of Trump-Friendly Firm Jones Day Read More »
- Best LLC Services to Launch Your Business
LawFuel’s review of the top LLC services for business . . . Contents0.0.1 LawFuel’s … - 5 Reasons Why Employers Must Pay Workers’ Compensation for Work-Related InjuriesWhy should companies pay workers compensation and how did that requirement arise?Contents0.0.1 Why should …
5 Reasons Why Employers Must Pay Workers’ Compensation for Work-Related Injuries Read More »
Pingback: James Hardie’s significant downsize in New Zealand unlikely to stall $200 million plus class action | Legal News Feeds