Recent ruling sets presidence for future drywall lawsuits

A recent ruling by a Florida judge may set precedence for other possible lawsuits. A Florida couple sued their home insurer for refusing to pay for repairs needed after contaminated drywall used to build their home ruined electrical wiring, air conditioner coils and pipes.  The insurance company, based in Springfield Illinois, argued that the damages weren’t covered due to the “wear and tear” clause, and the “defective materials” clause. The judge deemed that the drywall material wasn’t defective because it could serve its function. However, because the drywall material also…

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Could be just the beginning as deadly storms rip through the U.S.

Spring storms tore through the southern portion of the states last week leaving massive damage and loss of life in its aftermath. Virginia is no stranger to bad weather; over the last sixty years, they’ve had almost 600 tornados. But the previous storms were not like this one. Initial figures have eleven deaths total, and over 7.5 million in damages in one county. Virginia is used to getting thunderstorms and even tornados. However, most are EF1, or an EF2 and short lived. They don’t stay formed for very long and…

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Alabama: A new bill to stop distracted drivers voted on

Republican Representative Jim McClendon is sponsoring a bill in the Alabama House that will make texting while driving an illegal offense. McClendon sponsored a similar bill last year, but the Senate voted it down. The Republican Representative is cautiously optimistic that the bill will be passed by this year’s Senate. Texting while driving, or talking on the phone, falls in the “distracted driving” category. This has become an issue severe enough that most states are starting campaigns to raise awareness about the seriousness of it. Pilot programs were done in…

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New flood map ratings for Alabama residents

Legislators in Baldwin, Alabama, are working toward a measure that would add $478,000 annually to flood insurance premium savings for its residents. Baldwin first entered the Community Rating System in 1995 in order to obtain better flood insurance rates on behalf of its residents. According to the system, counties that fare well in rating are eligible for discounts for insurance in the categories they score well in. Baldwin currently ranks 7 out of 10, and enjoys a 15% discount in rates. These numbers could increase if the county’s proposed modifications…

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