Introduction
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Great Western Buildings Complaints was a leading manufacturer and distributor of prefabricated steel buildings across the United States. The Colorado-based company was renowned for its easy-to-assemble kit buildings used for homes, barns, workshops, and more. However, by the mid-1990s, Great Western Buildings Complaints found itself at the center of a significant class action lawsuit. This article provides an overview of the Great Western Buildings complaints, detailing what went wrong, the specific claims against the company, and the eventual outcome.
Great Western Buildings Complaints: An Overview
Great Western Buildings initially earned widespread acclaim for their prefabricated steel structures, which were marketed as durable, cost-effective solutions for various needs. Yet, despite their initial success, numerous customers began reporting severe issues with their buildings. These complaints formed the basis of a class action lawsuit that would have lasting implications for the company and the construction industry as a whole.
Customer Complaints Emerge
The first signs of trouble emerged in the early 1990s. Customers began to report that the galvanized steel used in the frames and wall panels of Great Western Buildings Complaints was rusting and corroding much faster than anticipated. Within just a few years, unsightly rust stains and structural issues, such as leaks and framing problems, were prevalent. The premature deterioration raised serious concerns, as these buildings were expected to last much longer without requiring significant repairs.
Class Action Lawsuit Filed
In 1996, Colorado resident Ray Dolin, whose Great Western barn had developed serious rust problems after just six years, took legal action. He filed a class action lawsuit against Great Western Buildings Complaints on behalf of himself and thousands of other dissatisfied owners. The lawsuit alleged that the company was aware or should have been aware that their choice of steel and welding techniques would lead to premature corrosion and structural failures.
Claims Against Great Western Buildings
The class action lawsuit brought several specific claims against Great Western Buildings, including:
- Using Inferior Steel: Plaintiffs argued that the company used substandard steel that was prone to rust and corrosion, undermining the structural integrity of the buildings.
- Faulty Welding Techniques: It was alleged that Great Western’s welding methods were inadequate, contributing to the premature failure of the steel structures.
- Negligence: The lawsuit claimed that Great Western was negligent in their quality control processes, leading to widespread defects and safety hazards.
- Breach of Implied Warranty: The plaintiffs asserted that Great Western breached the implied warranty that their buildings would last a reasonable amount of time before needing repairs.
Great Western Buildings Denies Fault
Great Western Buildings vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The company argued that the steel and welds used met industry standards and that other factors, such as harsh weather conditions or improper assembly by the customers, could be to blame for the issues reported. However, the plaintiffs were able to present compelling evidence that similar steel buildings from other manufacturers were not experiencing the same level of problems. Expert testimony also revealed widespread faults in Great Western’s welding techniques.
Trial and Ruling
After several years of legal proceedings, the case went to trial in Colorado. In November 2000, the jury sided with the plaintiffs, finding Great Western negligent in their choice of materials, quality control, and assembly methods. A few months later, in 2001, the Colorado Supreme Court upheld the jury’s verdict, resulting in one of the largest class action settlements in the state’s history.
Resolution and Impact
Great Western Buildings ultimately agreed to pay up to $50 million to cover repairs or replacements for the approximately 20,000 affected building owners. While not all claims were fully reimbursed, the settlement provided much-needed relief to many customers. This case set an important precedent, emphasizing that manufacturers have an implied warranty that their structures will last for a reasonable period before significant defects arise. It was a major victory for consumer protection in the construction industry.
Other Notable Class Action Lawsuits in the Construction Industry
The Great Western Buildings lawsuit is not an isolated incident. Several other notable class action lawsuits have similarly impacted the construction industry:
- Chinese Drywall Class Action: Thousands of homes built between 2001 and 2008 used defective imported drywall that emitted corrosive gases, damaging appliances and metal fixtures. Lawsuits against manufacturers in China are ongoing.
- Polybutylene Plumbing Class Action: Defects in polybutylene pipes caused premature leaks in an estimated one million homes built in the 1980s and 1990s, resulting in a $950 million settlement in 1995.
- Dryvit Stucco Siding Class Action: Cracks and leaks were reported in structures sided with Dryvit’s synthetic stucco product, leading to a $305 million settlement in 2008 after evidence emerged that the material absorbed water.
- TrusJoist Floor System Defects Lawsuit: Weyerhaeuser’s TJI floor joists experienced mold and rot problems, resulting in a $170 million settlement in 2007 to repair 35,000 homes.
- Tile Roof Defects Lawsuit Against GAF: Lawsuits over premature shingle breakdown and leaks resulted in settlements of $68 million and $9 million for CertainTeed and MFM Building Products, respectively.
These cases highlight the importance of quality control and accountability in the construction industry, ensuring that manufacturers and builders adhere to high standards to prevent costly and dangerous defects.
Beyond the Headlines: Human Impact
The Great Western Buildings lawsuit, like other class actions, represents more than just financial settlements. It underscores the human impact of construction defects. Homeowners faced significant disruptions in their lives due to crumbling walls and health concerns, while businesses struggled with costly repairs and relocations. These lawsuits brought much-needed compensation and acknowledgment of the pain and suffering endured by those affected.
A Trail of Legal Tangled Vines
Each lawsuit weaves a complex narrative of expert testimony clashing over building codes, contractors pointing fingers, and financial damages stacking up. The Great Western Buildings case was no different, involving years of litigation and leaving a trail of uncertainty and frustration for those involved.
The Fallout: Justice Sought, Reputation Tarnished
The Great Western Buildings lawsuit severely damaged the company’s reputation. Once trusted by customers across the nation, the company faced an uphill battle to regain public trust. Although the lawsuit provided some relief to affected customers, it also left lingering doubts about the company’s commitment to quality and safety. Rebuilding their reputation would require significant efforts to demonstrate their commitment to producing reliable and durable structures.
A Call for Change
The Great Western Buildings lawsuit brought to light crucial questions about construction practices and oversight. It underscored the need for stringent quality control measures and the importance of holding companies accountable for their products. The case highlighted the necessity of prioritizing quality and safety over cost-cutting measures, prompting calls for industry-wide reforms to prevent similar issues in the future.
Lessons Learned
The Great Western Buildings lawsuit serves as a cautionary tale for the construction industry. Cutting corners on materials and construction practices can lead to significant financial and reputational damage. The lawsuit emphasized the importance of adhering to high-quality standards and ensuring that prefabricated structures meet or exceed industry benchmarks. It also highlighted the need for vigilant quality control and prompt responses to customer complaints to prevent minor issues from escalating into major legal battles.
Conclusion: The Great Western Buildings Lawsuit
The class action against Great Western Buildings Complaints was one of the most significant in dealing with construction defects. Through protracted legal battles, affected customers gained acknowledgment and compensation for the company’s role in their prematurely failing steel structures. The case set an important precedent, reinforcing the implied warranty that structures should last for a reasonable period before developing significant defects. It continues to impact building product manufacturers and consumers today, underscoring the critical need for quality assurance and accountability in the construction industry.
FAQs
What was the main issue with Great Western Buildings?
The primary issue with Great Western Buildings was the premature rusting and corrosion of the galvanized steel used in their prefabricated structures. This resulted in significant structural problems, including leaks, framing issues, and compromised integrity of the buildings.
When was the class action lawsuit against Great Western Buildings filed?
The class action lawsuit was filed in 1996 by Colorado resident Ray Dolin, representing himself and thousands of other affected building owners who experienced severe issues with their Great Western Buildings.
What were the specific claims made in the lawsuit against Great Western Buildings?
The lawsuit claimed that Great Western Buildings used substandard steel, employed faulty welding techniques, and was negligent in their quality control processes. It also alleged a breach of implied warranty, asserting that the buildings should have lasted a reasonable amount of time before requiring major repairs.
What was the outcome of the Great Western Buildings lawsuit?
In November 2000, the jury ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, finding Great Western Buildings negligent. The Colorado Supreme Court upheld this verdict in 2001, resulting in a settlement of up to $50 million to cover repairs or replacements for the affected building owners.
How did the Great Western Buildings lawsuit impact the construction industry?
The lawsuit set an important precedent for consumer protection in the construction industry. It reinforced the implied warranty that structures should last a reasonable period before significant defects arise and highlighted the necessity for stringent quality control and accountability in manufacturing processes.
What lessons were learned from the Great Western Buildings lawsuit?
The Great Western Buildings lawsuit emphasized the critical importance of quality control, adherence to industry standards, and the need for manufacturers to prioritize durability and safety over cost-cutting measures. It served as a cautionary tale for the industry, illustrating the potential consequences of neglecting these principles.
