First Trial Over FEMA Fumes Opens

Fema Lawsuits Jury selection will begin on Monday in the one of the first trials over whether Gulf Coast storm victims were exposed to formaldehyde while living in FEMA trailers.

by Associated Press

Published: Sun, September 13, 2009 - 12:08 pm CST Last Updated: Sun, September 13, 2009 - 12:40 pm CST

A jury will soon begin hearing testimony in
one of the first trials over whether Gulf Coast storm victims were
exposed to potentially dangerous fumes while living in
government-issued trailers.
Jury selection begins Monday for the lawsuit against trailer
maker Gulf Stream Coach Inc. The lawsuit was filed New Orleans
resident Alana Alexander and her son, Christopher Cooper.
However, the federal government won't be on trial.
Judge Kurt Engelhardt ruled last month that a two-year statute
of limitations bars Cooper's claims against the government. Lawyers
say they plan to appeal that ruling.
Hundreds of consolidated lawsuits claim FEMA trailers exposed
residents to formaldehyde, which can cause breathing problems and
is classified as a carcinogen.

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Razorsharp Says:

Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 7:00 pm

I agree with all of you. These people are biting the hand that feeds. The worst part is that when all of this is over, when it is all said and done, you and I (taxpayers) will have to pay the cost of these frivilous lawsuits. We will foot the bill no matter what the outcome is. Our taxes will go up as well as insurance rates as a result of these peoples greed. What they should have done when the first complaint came in years ago, was IMMEDIATELY tell the recipient that they had 1 hour to evacuate the “dangerous” (but free) FEMA trailor and find their own place to live then. I wonder how many of these folks that are filing this suit smoke cigarettes? ...deadly fumes you know…

claycitymadness Says:

Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 2:51 pm

they usually dont sell that many trailers a year, there wee just a lot of them and someone went in one and recognized the smell. its routine practice. guess they would have preferred to live in tents till the trailers were aired out.

Mom2AngelBaby Says:

Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 2:40 pm

I agree! Always people wanting money they don’t have to work for. Some should be glad they had a roof over there heads, because others aren’t even alive! Guarentee most of the ones sueing didn’t have *hit before the storm!

rmseek1234 Says:

Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 1:13 pm

I wonder if they’ll sue the people who manufactured their mobile homes before they got blown away, too. I’m sure those had formaldehyde also. If you’ve ever walked into a newer mobile home before, the chemical smell is pretty strong. I think you are right Tiffany-just another way to milk the system, and ultimately those of us who work to pay taxes.

Tiffany Says:

Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 1:03 pm

I know a trial has to occur before we can jump conclusions but sounds like someone is just looking for more ways to milk the system and get more $$$. Geez—
If the trailor company was in the wrong and they caused harm then they should be fined…