Companies propose $14.8 million FEMA trailer settlement

Almost two dozen trailer manufacturers have reached a tentative settlement for victims that were exposed to a dangerous chemical present in many FEMA travel trailers provided after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. According to the Washington Post, the 21 companies will pay $14.8 million in a proposed class-action settlement which alleged that those living in some FEMA trailers were exposed to hazardous fumes. The dangerous chemical formaldehyde was found in many of the trailers provided to residents of Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Mississippi.

The dangerous chemical formaldehyde was found in many of the trailers provided to residents of Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Mississippi.

Formaldehyde is considered a carcinogen that is known to cause respiration problems, including shortness of breath, asthma-like symptoms, and even bronchitis. Over 4,000 individual suits were filed for this harmful exposure, so they were consolidated into a class action lawsuit. The breadth of the lawsuit could cover up to 20,000 individuals that were exposed to the harmful chemical formaldehyde. Last year, multiple mobile home manufacturers agreed to pay $2.6 million to resolve thousands of claims related to hazardous fumes coming from their products.

The trailer companies involved in the lawsuit include Thor Industries Inc., of Jackson Center, Ohio; Recreation by Design LLC, of Elkhart, Ind.; Play-Mor Trailers Inc., of Westphalia, Mo.; Cruiser RV LLC, of Howe, Ind.; and Skyline Corp., of Elkhart, Ind.

Inhaling certain chemicals like formaldehyde, Asbestos, and Benzene can be extremely harmful to an individual. If you or a loved one may have been exposed to one of these dangerous chemical materials and has experienced an adverse physical injury or sickness, you may be eligible to sue the entity that allowed the exposure to occur.