Texas jury awards family $21.6 million over construction defects
A Tarrant County jury awarded a family more than $21.6 million after faulty plumbing and foundation issues made their home unsafe.
A Tarrant County jury has awarded Ronny and Mandy McCoy more than $21.6 million due to construction defects that allegedly made their Texas home unsafe. According to the Times of India, the family noticed a strong odour before purchasing the house in 2018, but a plumber later discovered that sewer vents ended in the attic rather than outside.
The McCoys alleged that the circulating sewer gas caused dizziness, skin problems, respiratory issues and migraine headaches. They also reported that an improperly sealed foundation allowed moisture to enter, resulting in mould growth and insect issues.
The trial, which began on October 5 in the 67th District Court of Tarrant County, resulted in a decision on October 13. The jury found that the construction defects constituted intentional violations of the state's Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The jury assigned 77 per cent of the responsibility to contractor NAE Enterprises, which was also ordered to pay $10 million in exemplary damages. Dauenhauer & Associates and Ricky Dauenhauer were each assigned 10 per cent responsibility.
Lawyer Sabine Wakim of Just Well Law said families trust builders to meet required standards and that the McCoys counted on NAE to deliver. Maggie Neusel, also from the firm, stated the case was a profound failure of responsibility.
The house remains unfit for habitation following advice from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. The family is currently living in a recreational vehicle parked on their land.