American Cemwood Roofing Shakes Class Action (NAPSA)—A $75 million additional settlement has been reached in the nationwide class action about roofing shakes manufactured by American Cemwood Corporation. This settlement is in addition to a partial settlement that was previously reached. The settlement includes all individuals and entities that owned, own, or acquire property on which Cemwood Shakes are or have been installed in the follow- ing states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Cemwood Shakes in Colorado are not part of this settlement. “Cemwood Shakes”—made to look like real wood—are all cement and wood fiber composite roofing tiles and shakes manufactured by American Cemwood, including, but not limited to: Permatek, Permatek II, Royal, Cemwood and Cascade shakes, and Pacific Slate and Triestetiles. On May 26, 2000, the Court approved a $105 million partial settlement with one defendant, Weyerhaeuser, including a $40 million guaranty ($20 million of which was advanced), to pay claims before any additional settlement with American Cemwood’s insurers. The $75 million additional settlement brings the total settlement fund to $140 million. The settlement pays valid claims for damage to Cemwood Shakes, including e SS If you own or owned a property with American Cemwood roofing shakes, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. cracking, lifting, warping, or softening of the Shakes, and/or roof leaks due to damaged Shakes. Those affected by this settlement can send in a claim form to ask for a payment, or object to the settlement by November 6, 2003. Payment amounts will be determined by whether a claimant has qualifying damage, roof size, and the number of claims made. Those who previously sent in a claim do not have to do anything. A hearing will be held on November 18, 2008 to decide whether to approve the settlement, a request by the attorneys representing the Class for fees and costs, and a request by the defendants and settling insurers for an order saying that they can’t be joined into lawsuits against others for these claims. The class action lawsuit is called Richison v. American Cemwood Corporation, No. 005532, and is in the Superior Court of California in and for the County of San Joaquin. Those affected may obtain detailed information or get a claim form at www.cemwood claims.com, by calling 1-800-7083266, or writing to American Cemwood Roofing Settlement, P.O. Box 4540, Portland, OR 97208-4540.
