Lieff Cabraser's Products Liability - Defective Products Practice Area

State and federal laws provide legal claims against companies that sell products that do not perform as warranted, were falsely advertised, or have defects that were concealed from customers. Lieff Cabraser has successfully represented purchasers, both individuals and businesses, in many lawsuits against large corporations that have sold defective products.

Defective Home Construction Products: Roof Shakes, Siding and Plastic Drain Pipe

We have long represented homeowners against manufacturers of home construction products like siding, shingles and windows that have failed to perform as promised and warranted.

We represented consumers in suits against the manufacturers of a cement/fiber shingle that was allegedly defectively designed and sold under the brand names of Cemwood Shakes, Permatek Shakes, Permatek II Shakes, Trieste Tiles, Pacific Slate, Royal Shakes, or Cascade Shakes. In May 2000, the court granted final approval to a $105 million partial settlement of the case. In August 2003, the court granted preliminary approval to another settlement of the case, bringing the total settlements in the Cemwood litigation to $140 million.

We also serve as co-lead counsel in a nationwide class action on behalf of owners of structures on which Weyerhaeuser hardboard siding was applied at any time from January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1999. In December 2000, the Court granted final approval to a nationwide settlement of the case. Under the terms of the settlement, Weyerhaeuser will pay all timely, qualified claims made during a nine year claims program. There is no cap on Weyerhaeuser's potential total liability.

Notable other faulty building and home products cases include a settlement in 1998 of nearly $70 million on behalf of property owners whose ABS drainage pipe was allegedly defective and caused property damage by leaking. Commenting on the work of Lieff Cabraser and co-counsel, California Judge Mark B. Simons on May 14, 1998 stated, "The attorneys who were involved in the resolution of the case certainly entered the case with impressive reputations and did nothing in the course of their work on this case to diminish these reputations, but underlined, in my opinion, how well deserved those reputations are."

We served as class counsel in a nationwide class action settlement, also approved in 1998, that provides for certain costs of repair and replacement of failing siding for all persons with Masonite hardboard siding that was installed and incorporated in their property between January 1, 1980 and January 15, 1998 who submit a valid claim under the Settlement Claims Program. To date, over $750 million has been paid out of the settlement, and claims continue to be made and paid.

To learn about our current dangerous and defective products cases, click here.

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Important Note: This summary is intended to provide a basic overview of typical cases of our firm. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please read our disclaimer.