Law suit against plaster cladding manufacturers

An Auckland law firm is launching a class action against manufacturers of plaster cladding.

The claim, expected to involve well over $100 million, will be filed when Adina Thorn Lawyers has enough New Zealand owners of buildings with plaster cladding to join the class action.

The firm is asking people with homes, commercial and government buildings constructed using Harditex, Monotek, Titan board and various different polystyrene claddings to register their claims.

Principal Adina Thorn says the class action will be launched in association with international legal and funding experts with proven track records in successfully running similar high-value class actions.

 “This is about buildings with plaster cladding. It’s not only about homes – it’s all buildings – homes, commercial buildings, hospitals. All buildings need to have proper and safe cladding. Already impressive levels of expert evidence that have been assembled.”

Ms Thorn says the claim is a result of the many approaches she have received from the owners of buildings constructed.

“Those who register will have the opportunity to become part of a funded class action to receive compensation for faulty products used in the construction of buildings they own."

She says there is no cost involved in registering and the legal fees during the case will be covered by a litigation funder. “There is no time limit in joining the action. An owner with a building of any age can join the action. Owners previously believed there was a 10-year time limit but that is no longer the case.

“We expect the level of the final damages claim to be at least $100 million but this figure could rise significantly if we receive the level of response from claimants/owners we are expecting.”

slindsay@nbr.co.nz